Our Story

Sunrider Ranch & Cultural Center was born from a deep belief that land, food, and knowledge are meant to be shared—and that access to these foundations should never be limited by geography, income, or history. Our mission is to advance equity for historically underserved and marginalized communities through hands-on agricultural education, food systems training, and land stewardship programs. What began as a vision rooted in lived experience has grown into a land-based hub for education, cultural connection, and food systems leadership.

Sunrider Ranch exists to address the gaps we have seen across rural, Indigenous, and historically underserved communities: limited access to land-based education, a loss of intergenerational knowledge, and barriers that prevent people from entering or sustaining livelihoods in agriculture and food systems. Our work responds directly to these challenges by bringing people back onto the land—where learning is hands-on, relationships matter, and knowledge is shared across generations.

Our vision is a future where land, food, and agricultural knowledge are accessible to all.

Our Founder's Story

Sunrider Ranch & Cultural Center was created by our founders lifelong advocacy for agriculture, food systems, and community education, and she has spent years working alongside farmers, educators, nonprofits, Tribal communities, and public programs. Through this work—and through extensive volunteer service—the founder repeatedly witnessed a common challenge: opportunity often existed, but access did not. Too many people were excluded not because of lack of interest or ability, but because of financial barriers, limited land access, or programs that stopped short of providing real, practical pathways forward.

Again and again, it became clear that money and access to knowledge were two of the greatest obstacles preventing people from entering or sustaining livelihoods in food systems. Many individuals lacked clear, practical guidance on how to navigate and effectively use local, state, and federal programs that were intended to support them. In some cases, whether knowingly or not, people were being set up for failure by systems that provided funding or resources without the real-world education, mentorship, or hands-on support needed to make those programs work in practice.

This reality echoed a guiding principle that has long shaped the founder’s approach to this work: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” Short-term assistance or theory-based programs were not enough. What was needed was a model rooted in the principle of teaching a person to fish, one that prioritized skill-building, mentorship, and hands-on experience so individuals and communities could build long-term self-sufficiency rather than temporary relief.

Over years of working and volunteering across diverse roles and settings, the founder gained the knowledge, leadership skills, and lived understanding necessary to bring this vision to life. These experiences shaped a clear belief: meaningful change happens on the land, in relationship with others, and through education that is practical, culturally relevant, and accessible. Sunrider Ranch & Cultural Center was created to embody that belief. It exists to remove barriers, share knowledge, and create real pathways into agriculture and food systems leadership. Ensuring that those who have been historically excluded are equipped not only to participate, but to LEAD!

Rooted in Land, Culture, and Values

At the heart of Sunrider Ranch & Cultural Center is a commitment to Indigenous knowledge systems, cultural respect, and stewardship of the land. We believe that agriculture is not just production—it is relationship, responsibility, and reciprocity. These beliefs form the foundation of our core values, including equity and access, respect for Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, and community-led solutions. Our programs honor traditional and contemporary land practices while embracing innovation that supports climate resilience, food sovereignty, and long-term sustainability.

Through intergenerational teaching and mentorship, participants learn not only how to farm or steward land, but why these practices matter—to families, communities, ecosystems, and future generations. We value hands-on learning, integrity, and accountability, and we are committed to building confidence, leadership, and long-term resilience.

Learning by Doing

Sunrider Ranch was intentionally designed as a place of immersive, field-based learning. Participants are not confined to classrooms; instead, they work directly on active farms, demonstration sites, and food system projects. Whether through workshops, seasonal programs, apprenticeships, or multi-week intensives, learning happens through experience, guided mentorship, and meaningful connection to place.

Our mentors include experienced farmers, food systems leaders, educators, and cultural knowledge holders who share practical skills alongside lived wisdom. This approach builds confidence, competence, and a deeper understanding of food systems that cannot be replicated through theory alone.

Why Our Approach Is Different

Sunrider Ranch & Cultural Center was intentionally designed to go beyond traditional education models and short-term assistance programs. While many initiatives focus on delivering information or funding, our approach centers on ensuring people know how to apply that information and make resources work in real-world conditions.

We recognize that access alone is not enough. Without practical experience, mentorship, and culturally relevant guidance, even well-funded programs can unintentionally leave participants unprepared or vulnerable to failure. Sunrider Ranch bridges this gap by pairing education with hands-on application—walking alongside participants as they learn, practice, problem-solve, and adapt on working land.

Our programs are built on lived experience, not theory alone. Participants learn how to navigate agricultural systems, manage resources responsibly, and make informed decisions within the realities of land access, regulations, markets, and community needs. This approach empowers individuals to move beyond dependency toward confidence, self-sufficiency, and leadership.

By grounding our work in Indigenous knowledge systems, intergenerational teaching, and community-led solutions, we ensure learning is both practical and rooted in respect for culture, land, and people. We don’t just connect participants to opportunities—we equip them with the tools, understanding, and support needed to sustain those opportunities over time.

Our Mission, Vison and Values

 

  • Sunrider Ranch & Cultural Center advances equity for historically underserved and marginalized communities through hands-on agricultural education, food systems training, and land stewardship programs. We fill critical gaps in access, opportunity, mentorship, and culturally relevant education by engaging participants directly on working lands through immersive, field-based learning experiences rooted in Indigenous knowledge, intergenerational teaching, and environmental stewardship.

  • We envision a future where land and food system knowledge are accessible to all; and where resilient, community-led food systems support the health, sovereignty of present and future generations.

    Sunrider Ranch & Cultural Center strives to be a trusted hub for land-based education, leadership development, and cultural connection—strengthening rural and Indigenous communities across the Eastern Region and Great Lakes, and, as we grow, throughout North America and Canada.

  • Equity & Access

    We believe equitable access to land, education, and opportunity is essential for resilient food systems. We actively work to remove barriers and create inclusive pathways for those historically excluded from agriculture and land stewardship.

Looking Ahead

Sunrider Ranch & Cultural Center is more than a place—it is a growing movement toward equity, resilience, and reconnection. As we expand our programs and partnerships across the Eastern Region, the Great Lakes, and beyond, we remain grounded in our mission to advance access, honor culture, and empower the next generation of land and food systems leaders.

We invite you to be part of our story—whether as a participant, partner, supporter, or steward of the land alongside us.

Contact us

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