- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
During the 55th annual Coharie Powwow in Clinton, North Carolina, held on Saturday, Sept. 13, Smithfield Foods made a significant gesture of support by donating 103 acres of farmland to the Coharie Tribe.
“At Smithfield, we believe that strong communities are the foundation of a thriving future,” said Craig Craft, real estate specialist for Smithfield Foods. “We are honored to donate 103 acres of farmland to the Coharie Tribe to support agriculture, youth education and conservation for future generations.”
The Coharie Tribe, a state-recognized Native American community descended from the Neusiok Indians, has long-standing ties to Sampson County. Through events like the Coharie Powwow, the tribe actively works to preserve its culture and pass down its traditions.
“As members of the Coharie Tribe, we feel humbly grateful for the recognition and land gift we recently received from Smithfield Foods,” said Greg Jacobs, tribal administrator for the Coharie Tribe. “For many years, Smithfield has increased our opportunity for gainful employment. Our ancestors’ visions are being fulfilled as we improve the quality of life for present and future generations, and we thank Smithfield for being a catalyst for the growth of our community.”
This land donation is part of Smithfield’s broader commitment to fostering stronger communities through local partnerships and impactful initiatives. Whether it’s supporting public services, advancing education, or addressing food insecurity, the company continues to invest in efforts that bring lasting, positive change.
More Stories Like This
50 Years of Self-Determination: How a Landmark Act Empowered Tribal Sovereignty and Transformed Federal-Tribal RelationsNavajo Nation Council Unanimously Approves $603.7 Million FY2026 Budget
Fourth Circuit to Hear Winnebago Tribe’s Appeal in Case Concerning Repatriation of Carlisle Indian School Remains
Raising Voices for Incarcerated Native Peoples and Defending Indigenous Traditions
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
