Working on an Indigenous Seed Guide

By Hannah Johnson, 2nd year MDP student 

Hi, it’s Hannah Johnson! I have a bachelor’s in Native American and Indigenous Studies from the University of Minnesota Morris, and I am very passionate about Indigenous food sovereignty, especially concerning seeds! 

I’ve been lucky enough to work on a draft document that will one day be a guide for new gardeners to plant Indigenous seeds. There’s a lot to learn, and I’m happy to be involved!

One thing that’s really cool about the Indigenous seed guide is that I get to learn about what cycle of the moon certain seeds should be planted in! I didn’t even know that was a thing. 

 

Apparently, the moon impacts the level of moisture in the soil, and beets and other root vegetables should be planted at a different time from your leafy greens like spinach. I had no idea!

 

Food for Thought

 By Jessica Boucher-Cowie, 1st year MDP student

Through my placement with NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre, I had the opportunity to connect with people through a variety of programs oriented toward the community. Primarily, the farm project has offered a unique opportunity to bring people together through sharing the responsibilities of tending to the land, plants, and upkeeping with harvesting. The farm is fruitful and growing each day and everyone’s hard work is evident when visiting the site.

 My experience with NorWest has equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge as I was able to learn about plant maintenance, sustainable methods, and the food-based needs of the local community. I am excited to be a part of the farms’ success with the community and to have had the opportunity to connect with NorWest staff, students, and volunteers through this project.

This experience has contributed to my overall learning and strengthened my interest in Indigenous food systems and knowledges, which will support my continued studies in the upcoming year of MDP. It has also provided me with the foundation to continue to develop my land-based skillset. I deeply appreciate the reciprocal relationship between myself and the NorWest Co-op Community Food Centre and look forward to watching the successes of their future and ongoing projects.