Indigenous Ag: Our Relationship with the Land & The #LandBack Movement
True or False: Indigenous worldviews often see land as sacred–alive, interconnected, and spiritual.
True
Fill in the Blank: "Indigenous peoples are of those who inhabited a country or a geographical region at a time when people of ___ cultures or ethnic origins arrived."
Different
Growing ___ is any substance that you use to grow plants in.
Media
True or False: Soil is typically lacking in nutrients, while alternative growing media are not!
False; Soil is typically rich in nutrients
True or False: Soil formation is a continuous process, but the results are very fast.
False; Results are very gradual (slow)
Culture, Knowledge
True or False: The story of a peaceful, mutually beneficial meal between the European settlers and Native Americans can be seen as a myth that obscures the harsh realities of colonization.
True
What fruit is used to make the growing medium, "Coco coir?"
Coconut
What three (3) forms does coco coir come in?
Pith, Fiber, Chips
Which soil horizon is commonly referred to as "topsoil?"
A Horizon
There are less indigenous tribes distributed throughout North America due to a phenomenon known as ___ ___.
Settler colonialism
“Three Sisters” farming involves what three (3) crops?
Corn, Beans, Squash
What growing medium is a lightweight, granular material that is white in color?
Perlite
Peat/sphagnum moss can hold up to ___x their weight in ___.
20; Water
Soil is the loose surface material that covers most land. It consists of __ particles and __ matter.
Inorganic; Organic
Identify and describe one (1) reason why #LandBack matters.
Possible Answers:
Indigenous Sovereignty and Self-determination
#LandBack aims to restore control over ancestral lands, waters, and resources to Indigenous nations
The movement supports Indigenous communities in self-governance, allowing them to determine their own futures
Returning land is seen as a way to redistribute stolen wealth and power, and to address the ongoing effects of colonialism
Environmental Sustainability
Promotes stewardship of the land–something that has been in the hands of Indigenous communities since the United States’ inception
Leverages traditional knowledge, as Indigenous people are the experts in environmental management
Addresses neglect through land restoration (i.e., cleaning up abandoned areas)
Social and Cultural Healing
Repairs historical harm caused by the theft and colonization of Indigenous lands
Restores culture and language by allowing for the revival of traditional Indigenous teaching practices, languages, and other cultural practices
Addresses systemic injustices that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities (e.g., poverty, lack of access to resources, food apartheid, etc.)
Explain the difference between a monoculture vs. a polyculture.
Monoculture is the cultivation of multiple, identical crops in the same field
Monocultures are thought of as unfavorable in indigenous agriculture, as crops do not receive the same benefits as those in a polyculture, and are more susceptible to disease
Polyculture is the cultivation of multiple, different types of crops in the same field
Polyculture promotes biodiversity (different living things), reduces the risk of crop failure, and enhances the overall resilience of the ecosystem
Describe the difference between Peat moss and Sphagnum moss.
Peat moss is dead, dry
Sphagnum moss is living, wet
True or False: Vermiculite is inexpensive compared to other growing media.
False; Expensive
Identify and describe one (1) example of soil formation.
Possible Answers:
Root Heave
Root heave is a phenomenon where roots beneath the ground exert upward pressure as they search for nutrients, water, and oxygen
Root heave can cause rocks, pavement, and urban infrastructure to lift and crack
Erosion (breakdown) by suspended particles that impacts solid objects
Rock glaciers may not look like glaciers at first sight–this is because they are mantled (covered) with a thick layer of rock and debris
The rock and debris shields them from ablation (melting)
The formation of caverns and caves through the process of dissolving marble and opening up spaces within it
As water accumulates, it moves soil and rock particles, causing erosion
Summarize one (1) example of #LandBack in Action. What is the name of the tribe? Where are they located? What is being done with regard to #LandBack?
Possible Answers:
The Sioux [soo] Tribe & Black Hills (South Dakota)
The U.S. government seized the land after gold was found there, breaking the 1868 Fort Laramie Treaty
The Supreme Court later admitted the land was taken illegally and awarded financial compensation–which the Sioux refused
The tribe continues to demand the return of the land itself, not money. Emphasizing that land cannot be bought or sold because it’s sacred
The Yurok are restoring ancestral lands along the Klamath River through land purchases and partnerships
They’ve reclaimed tens of thousands of acres of land
The Yurok tribe has reintroduced salmon and other species, replanted native trees, and revived traditional fire practices
In 2022, 1,023 acres of ancestral land were returned to the Onondaga Nation through a partnership with a land trust
The Nation now manages the area for ecological restoration, native species, and community education
Identify and describe one (1) example of an Indigenous Agriculture practice.
Possible Answers:
Traditional Seeds and Crop Varieties
Traditional, locally adapted seed varieties
Selected over generations for their resilience, nutritional value, and suitability to local environmental conditions
Agroforestry
Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes
Improves soil fertility, increases water retention, enhances biodiversity
Trees and shrubs may also offer fruits, nuts, and other valuable products
Community Collaboration
Decision-making, resource management, and labor were shared, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the land
Seasonal Planting and Harvesting
Many indigenous agricultural calendars are aligned with the natural seasons
Traditional Knowledge and Wisdom
Indigenous agricultural practices are rooted in traditional knowledge and wisdom passed down through generations
Planting and harvesting techniques and understanding of the interconnectedness of nature
Seed Saving and Exchanging
Preserving and exchanging seeds for future generations
Helps maintain agricultural biodiversity and ensures continuous supply of locally adapted seeds
Respect for Nature and Spiritual Practices
Indigenous agriculture are aligned with spiritual practices
The land is sacred and agricultural activities may be accompanied by rituals, ceremonies or expressions of gratitude to the earth
What land formation is required for the derivation (obtaining) of perlite?
Volcano
Name five (5) plants that grow best in sandy soil.
Possible answers:
Lavender, Tulips, Carrots, Potatoes, Radish, and other root vegetables
Identify and describe one (1) example of soil conservation.
Possible Answers:
#1: Contour Plowing
Goal: Slow down the flow of water across the slope
This method involves plowing along contour lines of the land, following the natural curves and contours of the landscape
Contouring is especially important in areas with hilly or sloping terrain
#2: Cover Cropping (aka, “Green Manure”)
Goal: Protect soil during periods when main crops are not actively growing
#3: Mulching
Goal: Cover soil surface with a layer of organic or inorganic material
Mulching allows for erosion control, moisture retention, temperature regulation, weed suppression, nutrient conservation, and much more!
#4: No-till Farming
Goal: to grow crops without altering the soil through plowing or conventional tillage
In traditional agriculture, farmers will use plows or other types of machinery to turn over the soil
No-till farming offers numerous benefits, but requires careful management including the use of specialized equipment for planting and weed control