Tanka Fund interns conclude summer with significant contributions to Buffalo conservation and Climate Smart initiatives
PHOTO (L-R): Interns Nicole Cournoyer, Sky Seeing Leading Fox, Skylar Pogue
Our 2024 interns are wrapping up the last few days of their 12-week internships as range technicians in our Climate Smart program and we want to share some of the fantastic work they contributed to Tanka Fund this summer.
Interns Nicole Cournoyer, Skylar Pogue and Sky Seeing Leading Fox have been working closely with our range ecologists, Zintkala Eiring and Janét Moore, in the Climate Smart program.
During their 12 weeks, the team:
Visited a research-intensive Buffalo ranch in Hermosa, SD, to observe some of the latest monitoring methods and technologies.
Spent time at two Buffalo ranches owned by Tanka Fund rancher partners on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations.
Participated in a range monitoring exercise in the Black Hills.
Researched state-by-state NRCS Conservation Practice Standards (CPS), helping to determine program eligibility and verify compliance.
Wrote research papers on a related topic of their choosing and presented their findings to the entire Tanka Fund staff as part of an independent project. SEE PRESENTATION VIDEO AND LINK TO RESEARCH PAPERS IN BIOS BELOW
Nicole Cournoyer’s research topic: “HARMONY IN THE GRASSLANDS: BISON AND PRODUCERS CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE”
Skylar Pogue’s research topic: “RAISING GRASSES NOT BISON”
Sky Seeing Leading Fox research topic: “RESTORING BUFFALO AND RESTORING COMMUNITIES”
Nicole Cournoyer
Nicole Cournoyer is enrolled with Western Dakota Technical College under the Environmental Engineering Program where she plans to learn how science and engineering can be used to improve both human and environmental health. She is also a work study intern at the Community College of Rhode Island Veterans Affairs Office and studied General Studies in 2023-2024. She is a current Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist with Army National Guard, SD. Nicole is also a kennel technician and a member of the Tanka Fund Young Adult Buffalo Lifeways Society.
Tribal affiliation: Oglala Lakota
Why did you choose this internship?
I was intrigued by the work Tanka Fund was doing when I first learned about the organization through the Young Adult Buffalo Lifeways Society. I was very excited to learn more about their efforts in returning the bison to Native lands, lives, and economies.
Skylar Pogue
Skylar Pogue works at GP Ranch, one of our rancher partners, as a Tech Support/Communication Specialist and has a desire of obtaining her degree in Range Ecology. She served active duty with the US Navy as an Information Technician Specialist.
Tribal affiliation: Seminole Nation of Oklahoma
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship to learn more about bison and see how other ranches are managed.
Sky Seeing Leading Fox
Sky Seeing Leading Fox attends Haskell Indian Nations University where she is studying American Indian Studies. She is an Automated Logistical Specialist for the U.S. Army Reserves, Kansas and in the College Work Experience Program at the Pawnee Nation Agriculture Department. She volunteers with the Pawnee Seed Preservation Society working with Pawnee ancestral corn. She was an ITBC Seedkeepers Crew intern last summer and is a member of the Tanka Fund Young Adult Buffalo Lifeways Society.
Tribal affiliation: Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
Why did you choose this internship?
I chose this internship to further my experience and knowledge in Buffalo restoration. At college, I do a lot of prairie, woodland, and wetland restoration work, so I think this internship will enhance my skills and knowledge in that area. I also want to pass along any knowledge that would be beneficial to my tribe as they prepare for a Buffalo herd.
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