Hotvedt Named 2022 Native American 40 Under 40 Award Recipient

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Carly Hotvedt

Carly Griffith Hotvedt, associate director of the U of A Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative in the School of Law, has been named to the 2022 Native American 40 Under 40 Award recipients list by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development. She will be recognized at a reception during the Reservation Economic Summit on May 25 in Las Vegas.

The Native American 40 Under 40 awards represent the best and brightest emerging Indian Country leaders. Every year, 40 American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian leaders under the age of 40 are inducted in recognition of their leadership, initiative and dedication, and for making significant contributions in their business and/or in their community. Award winners include leaders working in numerous fields including academia, government, non-profits, tourism, nature conservation, technology and more.

"I appreciate being recognized for the work that I am lucky enough to get to do in Indian Country," Hotvedt said. "The acknowledgement of my impact in tribal agriculture policy makes me feel incredibly valued."

"Inductees into the 2022 Native American 40 Under 40 Awards showcase the hard work, perseverance and dedication that have come to define this prestigious award," said President and CEO of the National Center Chris James. "They are a reminder that Native American leaders are making a difference in every aspect of American life."

"We are excited for Carly and fortunate to have her at the law school," said Alena Allen, interim dean of the law school. "Carly's work has been incredibly impactful in Native communities, and she is most deserving of this award."

"Carly works tirelessly for Indian Country to ensure that tribal sovereignty in food systems is respected and that Native food producers have the resources they need to be successful," said Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative Executive Director Erin Parker. "She is a nationally recognized subject matter expert on matters relating to tribal agricultural enterprise and economic development in agriculture, and her colleagues are thrilled to see her dedication recognized with this award."

CARLY GRIFFITH HOTVEDT

Hotvedt is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Agriculture has always held an important role in her life. Her grandfather Bob Roberson was an agriculture educator across Oklahoma, which inspired her to join 4-H and Future Farmers of America. She later graduated with degrees in agribusiness and political science from Oklahoma State University and obtained a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.

While working as an attorney at the Muscogee Nation, Hotvedt had a chance to oversee the Tribe's department of agriculture. The many challenges and barriers Indian Country faces surrounding food and agriculture inspired Hotvedt to dedicate her career to crafting solutions.

Hotvedt looks forward to every opportunity to work one-on-one with tribal leaders and producers to help identify funding, efficiency improvements, management and organizational tactics, as well as tribal opportunities to occupy regulatory space and implement statutory fixes or code adoptions.

She strives to continue uplifting Native American food and agriculture through her career at IFAI and seeks opportunities to positively impact her tribe.

"I hope that my work outlives me and that I am remembered as a firebrand who cared very much for my community as shown through my commitment to public service," Hotvedt said.

About IFAI: The Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative focuses on putting Tribal sovereignty in food sovereignty, promoting tribally-driven solutions to revitalize and advance traditional food systems and diversified economic development throughout Indian Country. IFAI provides tribal governments, producers and food businesses with educational resources, policy research and strategic legal analysis as a foundation for building robust food economies.

About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follows us at @uarklaw.