Traditional Land Management: Clash of Science and Fire In Venezuela’s Savanna

Modern science is struggling to understand the benefits of the traditional land management practices of the Pemón.  Certainly, it's possible that living off the land locally using habitat burns could create unintended consequences in times of drought.  However, one needs to look at the real problem -- how lands and peoples around them have dramatically changed through disrespect for the land and its natural cycles.  And one needs to respect their long-term success in surviving in that place, and, rather than change the way native peoples live, work to restore the resilience of surrounding lands.

The other problem you will see in the article is the struggle with a non-issue: whether or not native land management alters the ecosystem.  When you see humans as separate from nature, then you can indeed engage in these discussions of whether or not the landscape is native.  When you see the integration of all things living, then it doesn't matter.  People are part of the landscape, flowing and evolving together.

Indigenous Andeans Living Off the Land: OneClimate.net

As part of the Cochabamba Conference:

http://www.oneclimate.net/2010/04/21/surviving-climate-change-in-bolivia/

"Honor and respect water as a sacred and life-giving gift from the Creator of Life. Water, the first living spirit on Earth.

. . . When water is threatened, all living things are threatened."

  -- Statement, Hopi Hisot Navoti Gathering

Tohono O’odham: Walking Path to Better Health

Terrol Dew Johnson, is the co-founder of Tohono O'odham Community Action – a nonprofit grass-roots organization that supports traditional farming, healthy foods and tribal culture.  In 1996, he was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes – an epidemic among tribal members.   This article describes a 3000 mile healing walk on which he embarked. 

Last week, the National Diabetes Education Program noted that "16 percent of American Indians and Alaska Natives aged 20 and older have diagnosed diabetes, compared to a national average of seven percent.".  

People of all races, take care of yourself!

Seed Saving and School Gardens

Seed saving is one topic that gets short shrift, in our consumerist surroundings where seeds are readily available to purchase.  We miss the reverence for life in saving seeds in knowing that they will return life in the following or near future years.   So we're happy to see that "OAEC's School Garden Program announces the release of "A Handful of Seeds"- a new publication on seed saving and seed study for educators." to help support community resilience and bring children into the effort.

The guide is available at their website, and "inside you will find lessons linked to California Educational Standards, practical information on seed saving in the school garden and seed history and lore."

Water Cycles and CA Water Conservation Act of 2009

California law is directing us toward respect for the earth, and understanding of our water cycle.  Much of the state south of Sacramento and Santa Cruz is technically desert, and in that area, we must respect those natural water limits, while working to enhance our ability to retain, cleanse, and use the ambient rainwater and runoff that runs through our area(s)

For example:

Senate Bill x7-7 enacted in 2009 (Chapter 4, Statutes of 2009 Seventh Extraordinary Session) requires the state to achieve a 20% reduction in urban per capita water use by December 31, 2020. The law establishes that the measure of increased efficiency is on a per capita basis. The law also requires the state to make incremental progress towards this goal by reducing per capita water use by at least 10% on or before December 31, 2015." (18 March 2010)

http://www.water.ca.gov/wateruseefficiency/sb7

http://ipecology.blogspot.com

     

Food Aid <--> Local Agriculture

"Food aid has hurt local agriculture" - former USDA sec Ann Veneman on KQED's Forum today. Time to restore and reclaim those traditional farming practices . . .

The program showed the bipartisan nature of international food/health issue. Although a Bush appointee, virtually everything she mentioned were things all people could agree on. And, given the polarized conversation that passes for politics, she most certainly did not sound Republican.

Multimedia: Advancing the Cause of Justice

Tomorrow (or today, depending on your time zone) the National Congress of American Indians will deliver the State of the Nations address to highlight the collective successes and challenges of communities across the land.  

http://www.visualwebcaster.com/event.asp?id=65512

And Native America Calling has had several good call topics recently, on indigenous advocates for climate change action, indigenous beliefs and rights among world religions,  women entrepreneurs on the reservation, and even safe places for Native youth from our friends at Native Movement

And for real motivation to keep working on all these community struggles, try the music of Blackfire!