Organization: Sicangu Community Development Corporation (Sicangu Co)

Matte Wilson (he/him/wičaša), a citizen of the Sicáŋğu Lak̇óta Oyáte (Rosebud, South Dakota), is a dedicated leader in Indigenous food sovereignty and community development. With a strong background in program development, food systems, and community health, Matte has played a key role in expanding initiatives that empower Lakota communities through sustainable agriculture, food access, and cultural revitalization.

He currently serves as Deputy Director at Sicáŋğu Community Development Corporation (http://www.sicangu.co/) (Sicáŋğu CDC), part of the Sicáŋğu Co ecosystem. In his work, he has led the development and expansion of programs such as a farm apprenticeship program, the Sicáŋğu Harvest Market, and a Tribally Supported Agriculture program, all of which increase local food access and support Indigenous producers. Additionally, he has supported efforts to integrate food sovereignty into community health initiatives, including a food prescription program, a home gardening program, and a health and wellness coaching program, which reconnect Lak̇óta families with traditional foods and holistic well-being practices.

Matte has been recognized as a Rockefeller Foundation–Acumen Food Systems Fellow and an MIT Solve Indigenous Communities Fellow, where he has worked alongside global and Indigenous leaders to drive transformative food system solutions. His organization, Sicáŋğu CDC, was honored as one of ten Rockefeller Foundation Food System Vision Prize Visionary Teams, recognizing their work in reimagining Indigenous food systems and advancing community-led food sovereignty on the Rosebud Reservation. Through his leadership, Matte continues to advocate for policy changes, resource equity, and collaborative solutions that strengthen Native communities.