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← NORTH AMERICAN TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS FOOD SYSTEMS

Form 990 for tax year 2024

Filed by NORTH AMERICAN TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS FOOD SYSTEMS.

Totals

Total revenue
$6,255,978
Total expenses
$1,894,288
Contributions and grants received
$6,228,848
Grants paid
$713
Program service revenue
$173,633
Investment income
$492
Other revenue
-$146,995
Total assets, end of year
$8,543,803
Total liabilities, end of year
$1,468,965
Net assets or fund balances, end of year
$7,074,838
Program services expenses (Part IX)
$1,287,594
Management and general expenses
$374,117
Fundraising expenses
$232,577
Program service expenses (Part III)
$1,287,594

Program services were 68.0% of total expenses calculated — Part IX's program-services column over total expenses, both as filed.

Line items

Every line the filer filed in Parts VIII, IX and X, as filed and in filed order. Blank columns are left out, and the lines are not forced to add up to the totals above.

Revenue

Part VIII, the statement of revenue.

  • 1e · Government grants (contributions)

    $1,065,764

  • 1f · All other contributions, gifts and grants

    $5,163,084

  • 2a · Program service revenue: Consulting Services

    total $84,833 · related or exempt $84,833

  • 2f · All other program service revenue

    total $88,800 · related or exempt $88,800

  • 3 · Investment income

    total $492 · excluded $492

  • 10a · Gross sales of inventory

    $456,109

  • 10b · Cost of goods sold

    $603,104

  • 10c · Net income from sales of inventory

    total -$146,995 · related or exempt -$168,389 · unrelated business $21,394

Functional expenses

Part IX, the statement of functional expenses.

  • 1 · Grants to domestic organizations and governments

    total $713 · program services $713

  • 5 · Compensation of officers, directors and key employees

    total $78,776 · program services $47,265 · management and general $23,633 · fundraising $7,878

  • 7 · Other salaries and wages

    total $865,756 · program services $570,780 · management and general $206,971 · fundraising $88,005

  • 8 · Pension plan contributions

    total $22,626 · program services $14,979 · management and general $5,385 · fundraising $2,262

  • 9 · Other employee benefits

    total $96,955 · program services $64,375 · management and general $22,868 · fundraising $9,712

  • 10 · Payroll taxes

    total $75,346 · program services $49,729 · management and general $18,083 · fundraising $7,534

  • 11e · Fees: professional fundraising services

    total $133,795 · fundraising $133,795

  • 11g · Fees: other

    total $275,998 · program services $180,211 · management and general $74,865 · fundraising $20,922

  • 12 · Advertising and promotion

    total $7,645 · program services $6,651 · management and general $612 · fundraising $382

  • 13 · Office expenses

    total $9,112 · program services $8,639 · management and general $291 · fundraising $182

  • 16 · Occupancy

    total $97,329 · program services $86,899 · management and general $6,418 · fundraising $4,012

  • 17 · Travel

    total $36,560 · program services $36,560

  • 19 · Conferences, conventions and meetings

    total $17,740 · program services $17,740

  • 20 · Interest

    total $35,004 · program services $30,454 · management and general $2,800 · fundraising $1,750

  • 22 · Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    total $25,295 · program services $22,006 · management and general $2,024 · fundraising $1,265

  • 23 · Insurance

    total $10,671 · program services $5,803 · management and general $4,153 · fundraising $715

  • 24a · Other expenses: Food & Kitchen Supplies

    total $67,796 · program services $67,796

  • 24b · Other expenses: Dues & Subscriptions

    total $23,362 · program services $20,325 · management and general $1,869 · fundraising $1,168

  • 24c · Other expenses: Training

    total $19,709 · program services $19,709

  • 24d · Other expenses: Taxes & Licenses

    total $14,408 · program services $12,536 · management and general $1,152 · fundraising $720

  • 24e · All other expenses

    total -$20,308 · program services $24,424 · management and general $2,993 · fundraising -$47,725

Balance sheet

Part X, book values.

  • 2 · Savings and temporary cash investments

    beginning of year $1,958,715 · end of year $5,576,299

  • 3 · Pledges and grants receivable

    beginning of year $620,284 · end of year $375,000

  • 4 · Accounts receivable

    end of year $383,023

  • 8 · Inventories for sale or use

    beginning of year $85,147 · end of year $86,278

  • 9 · Prepaid expenses and deferred charges

    end of year $2,517

  • 10a · Land, buildings and equipment: cost or other basis

    $662,908

  • 10b · Land, buildings and equipment: accumulated depreciation

    $146,299

  • 10c · Land, buildings and equipment, net

    beginning of year $494,932 · end of year $516,609

  • 13 · Investments: program-related

    beginning of year $1,500,000 · end of year $1,426,300

  • 15 · Other assets

    beginning of year $312,470 · end of year $177,777

  • 17 · Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    beginning of year $140,048 · end of year $119,901

  • 18 · Grants payable

    beginning of year $500,000 · end of year $0

  • 22 · Loans and payables to officers and key people

    beginning of year $650,000 · end of year $650,000

  • 23 · Secured mortgages and notes payable

    beginning of year $654,030 · end of year $587,097

  • 25 · Other liabilities

    beginning of year $314,322 · end of year $111,967

  • 27 · Net assets without donor restrictions

    beginning of year $1,319,981 · end of year $2,531,671

  • 28 · Net assets with donor restrictions

    beginning of year $1,393,167 · end of year $4,543,167

Mission and programs · 2024

Mission

To promote Indigenous foodways education and facilitate Indigenous food access.

  • Indigenous Food AccessThe Indigenous Food Access program at North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) has made significant progress in enhancing access to healthy Indigenous foods and building capacity for Tribal kitchens over the past year. 1. Capacity Building for Tribal Kitchens: The program successfully provided technical assistance and resources to 10 Tribal kitchens, analyzing their capacity to improve their operations and expand their offerings. This included training on food safety, menu planning, and sourcing local Indigenous ingredients, as well as comprehensive lists of equipment needed to prepare these foods and links to purchase this equipment. The objective of this initiative is to strengthen the capacity of Tribal kitchens to provide nutritious meals that reflect Indigenous culinary traditions, ultimately promoting food sovereignty within their communities. 2. Community Events and Food Distribution: Over the past year, the program organized 15 community events focused on food access, including harvest festivals and cooking demonstrations. These events attracted around 600 participants, fostering community engagement and awareness of Indigenous food systems. Additionally, the program facilitated the distribution of over 2,000 pounds of locally sourced Indigenous foods to families in need, addressing food insecurity within the community. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable food network that ensures all community members have access to healthy Indigenous foods. 3. Educational Workshops: The program conducted 12 educational workshops aimed at teaching community members about traditional food preparation, foraging, and the nutritional benefits of Indigenous foods. Approximately 180 participants attended these workshops, which emphasized hands-on learning and cultural connection. The objective is to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to reclaim their food heritage and make informed dietary choices that support their health and well-being.Through these accomplishments, the Indigenous Food Access program has effectively advanced NATIFS' mission of promoting food sovereignty, enhancing access to healthy Indigenous foods, and revitalizing cultural practices, ultimately contributing to the health and resilience of Native communities.

    Expenses $946,106 · Grants $557 · Revenue $2,000

  • Education TeamThe Education team at North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) has made significant strides in promoting Indigenous foodways education and cultural preservation over the past year. 1. Curriculum Development: The team successfully developed and implemented 15 culturally relevant lesson plans focused on Indigenous food systems, traditional knowledge, and sustainable practices. These materials were created in collaboration with Indigenous knowledge bearers and are now available for public use on our website. The objective of this initiative is to enhance educational resources for Indigenous youth and educators, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous foodways. 2. Workshops and Training Sessions: Over the past year, the Education team organized over 20 workshops and training sessions, reaching more than 250 participants, including Indigenous youth, community members, and educators. These sessions provided hands-on learning experiences in traditional food preparation, foraging, and cooking techniques. Notably, the team hosted a successful series of workshops, which resulted in a 30% increase in participant engagement compared to the previous year. The long-term goal is to empower participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to reclaim their food heritage and promote food sovereignty within their communities. 3. Partnerships with Educational Institutions: The team established partnerships with educational institutions, integrating Indigenous food systems content into their curricula. This collaboration has resulted in the inclusion of Indigenous food education in at least 5 classrooms, benefiting an estimated 300 students. Additionally, the Education team conducted training sessions for educators to equip them with the tools needed to effectively teach Indigenous foodways. The objective is to create a sustainable model for incorporating Indigenous knowledge into formal education, ensuring that future generations are connected to their cultural heritage.Through these accomplishments, the Education team has effectively advanced NATIFS' mission of promoting Indigenous foodways education, facilitating food access, and revitalizing ancestral knowledge, ultimately contributing to the health and well-being of Native communities.

    Expenses $201,906 · Grants $156 · Revenue $3,244

  • Expansion of the Indigenous Food LabThe expansion of the Indigenous Food Lab (IFL) in Minneapolis and the establishment of new locations in Montana have yielded significant accomplishments in promoting Indigenous culinary traditions and enhancing food access within Native communities. 1. Objective and Long-Term Goals: The primary objective of expanding the IFL is to enhance access to Indigenous culinary education and resources, empowering individuals to reclaim their food heritage. In the short term, the goal is to provide training and support to at least 500 individuals annually, equipping them with the skills needed to prepare traditional Indigenous foods. The long-term goal is to establish a sustainable network of Indigenous Food Labs across multiple locations, including Montana, that serve as hubs for culinary training, cultural education, and community engagement. This initiative aims to promote food sovereignty and improve overall health and well-being within Native communities. 2. Estimated Impact: While exact figures may vary, it is estimated that the expansion of the IFL will result in a 40% increase in the number of individuals trained in Indigenous culinary practices over the next year. Furthermore, the establishment of a new location in Montana is projected to reach an additional 300 clients annually, significantly broadening the impact of the program. Through these accomplishments, the expansion of the Indigenous Food Lab has effectively advanced NATIFS' mission of promoting Indigenous foodways education, enhancing food access, and revitalizing cultural practices, ultimately contributing to the health and resilience of Native communities.

    Expenses $139,582

As filed on the 2024 return. The filer continues this part on Schedule O, which is not shown here.

Listed in Part VII

  • Sean Sherman

    President/Executive Director

    Total calculated
    $157,551
    From this org
    $141,359
    From related orgs
    $0
    Other
    $16,192
    Hours/week
    40

    Schedule J breakdown matched by us

    Base
    $141,359
    Bonus
    $0
    Other
    $0
    Deferred
    $1,500
    Nontaxable benefits
    $14,692
    Filer's total
    $157,551
  • Heather Leach

    Board Chair

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Gerald Sherman

    Treasurer

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Elizabeth Hoover

    Director (left 11/2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Heather Dawn Thompson

    Director (beg 11/2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Jesse Downs

    Director (beg 11/2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Henry Jake Foreman

    Director (beg 11/2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Susan Masten

    Director (beg 11/2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Joseph Shawana

    Director (beg 11/2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1
  • Tara Maudrie

    Director (beg 11/2024)

    Total calculated
    $0
    Hours/week
    1

Compensation is as filed in Part VII: reportable pay from this organization and from related organizations, other compensation, and hours per week. The total, marked calculated, is our sum of the three dollar columns, with a blank column counted as $0; the form itself has no total. On a Form 990-EZ the columns are Part IV's instead, and on a Form 990-PF Part VIII's — compensation, contributions to benefit plans, and expense account — and the total sums those. A Schedule J breakdown is as filed: base pay, bonus, other, deferred compensation and nontaxable benefits from this organization, with any from related organizations beside each, and the filer's own total. It is shown with the Part VII listing of the same name on the same return. The form gives no key between the two, so that pairing is ours, and is marked matched by us.

Schedule J

Answered yes

  • 3 · Approval by the board or compensation committee

Answered no

  • 4a · Severance or change-of-control payment
  • 4b · Supplemental nonqualified retirement plan
  • 4c · Equity-based compensation arrangement
  • 5a · Pay contingent on this organization's revenues
  • 5b · Pay contingent on a related organization's revenues
  • 6a · Pay contingent on this organization's net earnings
  • 6b · Pay contingent on a related organization's net earnings
  • 7 · Other non-fixed payments
  • 8 · Paid under the initial-contract exception

Part I's answers as filed. A line not listed was left unanswered; on lines 1a and 3 that means the box was not checked.

Grants on this return

No itemized grants to organizations on this return.

Taxable family on this return

Schedule R Parts I, III and IV, as filed. These record ownership and control, not shared board members or money moved.

Related corporations and trusts

Part IV: related organizations taxable as a corporation or trust.

  • Ghost Dancer LLC

    C · Restaurant Operations · MN · 100% owned · share of income $3,003,478 · share of assets $887,130 · controlled entity

    Directly controlled by North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems

Provenance

Return type
form_990
Tax year
2024
Filed
13 November 2025
IRS schema version
2024v5.2
Source object
202533179349310123

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