Natives Raising Natives

Although not well-known, butterfly farming generates over $100 million in annual sales in the United States and is uniquely suited to the challenges faced by tribal members in rural Oklahoma.

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The Natives Raising Natives Project has three primary goals:

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• Create economic development for Native Americans through butterfly farming by providing technical training, no-cost supplies and guaranteed market access.

• Provide a hands-on learning opportunity that teaches Native American youth about agriculture, conservation and science.

• Raise awareness about the need for habitat conservation efforts that support native butterflies and other threatened pollinators.

 

This is the first and only program in the United States to teach butterfly farming to tribal members.  It provides a unique opportunity to create sustainable, environmentally friendly economic development in rural areas lacking traditional employment opportunities.