Conference allows for room to grow

Observer Staff

1/27/2004 12:00:00 AM

A recent conference on the White Earth Reservation in northern Minnesota gave several representatives from the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan food for thought.

Mawadisidiwag Ji-Nitaa Gitigaaniwaad (They Are Gathering in Order to Farm Better) was the title of the Indigenous agriculture conference sponsored by Winona LaDuke's White Earth Land Recovery Program which took place Jan. 10-12 near Richwood, Minn.

Seventh Generation Department staff members Kendall Kingbird and Wilma Henry-along with Planning Department Environmental Specialist Sally Kniffen, Tribal Council Representative and Seventh Generation Program Director Milton Pelcher, Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center Nutritionist Sally VanCise and community member Daniel Mena-attended the conference.

The conference focused on original seed saving; organic gardening; creating healthy lifestyles by eating properly; the opposition of genetically modified organisms; chemicals and pesticides used by farming communities and large corporate farms; as well as networking with other Tribes and how to protect Tribal lands, wild plants, medicines and other resources.

"Industrialized agriculture and genetically modified organisms are invading the Anishnaabe Akiing (The People's Land) and are some of the reasons why people are getting sick," stated Cultural Representative Wilma Henry. "Diabetes, as well as heart disease, are epidemic in Tribal communities."

Awareness, education and dietary discipline are some of the solutions to address healthy eating habits. Tribal councils can pass Tribal food policies and support local organic growers, establish bio-tech free zones on Tribal land where chemicals are not allowed, plus create educational programs that inform community members about these issues.

"I have worked at Seventh Generation for the past year and I believe the vision of this program in regards to organic gardening, the greenhouse and using traditional healing methods are some of the solutions to create healthier lifestyles," stated Henry. "Networking with the Nimkee Clinic, Behavioral Health and Social Services will bring a better understanding on how we here at Seventh Generation can work together to look at alternative ways of healing our physical bodies and meeting our spiritual needs at the same time. Incorporating the concept of mind, body and spirit is a more holistic approach to wellness."

Last year, the Seventh Generation Program received organic farming certification. This milestone-along with existing networking-could make Seventh Generation a model program for other Tribes to follow. Sufficient funding, staffing and training are immediate goals to making Seventh Generation this model program.

"With education and awareness, Tribal communities will be able to move forward in assisting future generations in maintaining healthy eating habits which will certainly assist in the eradication of the diseases that plague Tribal communities," according to Henry.

For more information above the Seventh Generation Program at the Elijah Elk Cultural Center, contact Kingbird or Henry at (989) 775-4470.