with the environment, sustainability, and traditional harvesting and agriculture practices. Following are a few examples that are practiced.
Commitment to soil protection. Agriculture and garden projects on campus forbid the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and synthetic mulches. Instead, our food sovereignty work builds on Menominee traditions of understanding plant relationships; of learning about and experimenting with biochar, fish emulsions, and other natural soil amendments; and of valuing plants others may refer to as weeds and growing with them instead of eradicating them. Indigenous/heritage seeds. On-campus work has evolved over time. Initially, we planted the seeds that were given and available. This included genetically modified organisms (GMOs). As food sovereignty initiatives in the community progressed, Indigenous and other heritage seeds began to appear. Through seed swaps and engagement with seed companies, the only seeds now used on campus are Indigenous and heritage seeds. Further, these are the only types of seeds we distribute as part of community seed distributions. Teaching with the seasons. Seasons are a part of the environment. With that, all events and workshops follow the seasons. By practicing this as staff, we are learning more by following this traditional teaching. In our outreach, we are connecting the community to this way of living and thinking. This is discussed in length in Integrating Culture: Indigenous Planning Systems.
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