Gtegankewen - Tribal Farm Program
“Food sovereignty is an affirmation of who we are as indigenous peoples and a way, one of the most surefooted ways, to restore our relationship with the world around us.”
The Jijak Foundation established the Gteganes Tribal Farm program in 2013 as an avenue to help restore and revitalize our community's access to healthy, traditional foods. Agriculture has long been a central aspect of our cultural identity and way of life as Pottawatomi people. Over a century ago, our community planted and tended extensive fields of our traditional varieties of corn, beans, squashes, sunflowers, melons and tobacco at our villages near the present day sites of Kalamazoo and Schoolcraft, Michigan. The traditional farming methods used by our community were highly productive, ecologically sustainable and based upon a system of community cooperation.
Today, through the Gteganes Tribal Farm program, we are working to revitalize agricultural knowledge, practices and traditions within our community. Key aspects of the program include:
![George Martin sharing teachings about the preparation and curing of traditional flint corn for making damnabo [Potawatomi corn soup made with hardwood ash hominy]. - Photo by William Spence](http://static1.squarespace.com/static/54b040ece4b0e9c2be1378d6/t/54ccee6de4b0193386068e68/1422716528943/10557299_10203783632805882_1868165921395374468_n.jpg)
George Martin sharing teachings about the preparation and curing of traditional flint corn for making damnabo [Potawatomi corn soup made with hardwood ash hominy]. - Photo by William Spence
The Mnominkanen Seed Library, an extensive repository in which we curate and maintain over 200 rare heirloom seed varieties from Native American communities throughout the Great Lakes Region and Midwest.
A small scale organic farm, where we grow traditional varieties of Pottawatomi crops as well as other heirloom vegetables and medicinal plants,
A greenhouse for seed starting and cold season food production.
Regular classes, workshops and trainings for staff and community volunteers which build knowledge of both traditional and contemporary farming and food production and preparation practices.
Events and activities, such as our Annual Fall Harvest Festival which provide broad outreach and unique learning opportunities to the surrounding community.
Production of traditional and healthy foods for community events and distribution.
The revitalization of culturally appropriate practices including the use of traditional songs, teachings and ceremonies.
Investment in tribal youth, through the participation of the Pottawatomi Youth Language Class.
The Gteganes Tribal Farm is a community based project. Much of the work we do is achieved with the help of a dedicated and passionate team of staff and volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to help with this program, please visit our Jijak Volunteer Page.
Here are a few additional resource links:
Seven Teachings for Healthy Foods in Native Communities
Where to Access Native American Produced Foods
Below is a slideshow featuring some aspects of the Gteganes Tribal Farm program. Click on any picture to start the slideshow and to learn more about our processes and techniques:
