Tanka Fund welcomes Range Technician interns
Summary
This summer, Tanka Fund hired Range Technician interns who have been working closely with our range ecologists in the Climate Smart program. They are researching rangeland ecology management of Buffalo, differences between buffalo and cattle, land stewardship, and traditional ecological knowledge. The interns enhance the Climate Smart program by assisting the Range Ecologist, Zintkala Eiring, and Technical Assistant, Janét Moore. They research state-by-state NRCS Conservation Practice Standards (CPS), helping to determine program eligibility and verify compliance.
“The interns serve as role models for younger Native youth showing interest in range ecology and buffalo,” said Zintkala. “I hope the interns learn valuable skills that will help them excel in the future.”.
Key points:
• The interns selected specific research topics for an independent project. Their findings will be presented to Tanka Fund staff and shared publicly.
• Each intern spent several field days in South Dakota this July with Tanka Fund staff, visiting a research-intensive Buffalo ranch in Hermosa, two Native-owned buffalo ranches on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations, and participating in a range monitoring exercise in the Black Hills.
• The internship positions are funded by a USDA Climate Smart grant in partnership with South Dakota State University, the National Bison Association and AgSpire as well as by the Cedar Tree Foundation. This five-year project will bring on interns each summer for the duration of the grant.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR INTERN TEAM BELOW
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.
What topic have you chosen and why?
I chose to research how bison and cattle differ in management and how different management styles can positively or negatively affect the environment. There has been a common notion that cattle are more harmful to the environment. I wanted to know how true that was. If not managed correctly, bison can actually be more detrimental to the environment.
What is your favorite television or streaming show?
Currently, I am enjoying watching Bridgerton and The Rookie.
What do you like to do for entertainment?
I enjoy reading books, working out, and hiking with my dog. Generally, I enjoy being out in nature.
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.
What topic have you chosen and why?
I chose to complete my project on the importance of quality rangeland management and how it directly impacts the survival and quality of life for bison.
What is your favorite television or streaming show?
I have comfort shows that I replay over and over, mostly the Harry Potter series, Gilmore Girls, and almost any first responder drama shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Fire, or The Rookie.
What do you like to do for entertainment?
Honestly, I love when it’s calving season and driving around to see either the little red dogs or baby longhorns.
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.
What topic have you chosen and why?
I am researching "creating Indigenous land stewards using Buffalo restoration." As Indigenous people, we have a pre-existing connection and understanding of the land. I have known and felt it since I was a child. Specifically for tribes in Oklahoma, I am looking at ways they can bring back those Buffalo teachings and how that coincides with learning the land. In my initial interview, I was asked about my relationship with Buffalo. I answered that I am reconnecting with that part of myself and my culture, learning as much as I can to be able to take what I learn home and share it.
What is your favorite television or streaming show?
My favorite comfort show is Grey's Anatomy.
What do you like to do for entertainment?
During my free time I like to go to powwows and my tribal ceremonies. At school, I play intramural softball and sometimes basketball.
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