Did you know November celebrates National American Heritage Month?
How about the fact that human existence in Virginia dates back to 15,000 BC?
If you answered no to either of those equations, then I suggest you stick around.
While many of us are unknowledgeable about the history of indigenous people in this country because of legacies of colonialism, it’s crucial that we have an awareness of the communities who stewarded the land we now inhabit.
Not only is their history interesting, but understanding indigenous cultures around farming and environmentalism can help ground our understanding of the landscape and sustainable methods that are still used today.
In 1200 BCE, temperature rises post ice age allowed the indigenous people in the Americas to lead more sedentary lives and slowly develop an agricultural tradition. In Virginia, agriculture began around 1400-1000 AD when plants were first domesticated. The earliest domesticated plants, like sunflower, cucurbit gourd, knotweed, little barley, and may grass, make up a group known as the Eastern Agricultural Complex.
Unlike the massive-scale agriculture practices we see today, indigenous agriculture incorporates natural systems, health considerations, and synergy when cultivating land and food. For instance, intercropping is one farming method that is based on synergy, where the physical aspects of each plant complement one another and improve each other’s growth. An example of this is the infamous three sisters intercropping with maize, squash, and beans who provide structure and nutrients for one another. Another practice used by indigenous people in the United States is silvopasture, where animals were directed to graze among trees to improve forest health, increase soil carbon sequestration, and expand habitat for wildlife.
Each of these examples highlight the essence of permaculture, the practice of working with natural forces and having a deep understanding of the local environment.
These agricultural techniques were far more mindful and sustainable than the European colonial settlers’ methods, who began to arrive in Virginia in the late 16th century. Their labor-intensive practices involved using more land and growing in surplus, thereby depleting the soil’s fertility and disregarding indigenous values of permaculture. In addition, European settlers brought tough and persistent weeds—dandelions, thistles, plantain, nettles, nightshade, and sedge—that wreaked havoc on the indigenous people’s domesticated plants.
Unfortunately, these colonial legacies of ignoring successful and harmonious agricultural practices have resulted in the environmentally degrading agro-industry we see today. In fact, when I attempted to research indigenous farmers that are currently cultivating land and food in Virginia, not a single name could be found.
Today, there are many organizational efforts to revive indigenous agriculture as a means to restore the culture of an important group while facilitating environmental preservation. One organization with a mission to fund business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services to Native American farmers and ranchers, promoting their continued engagement in agriculture is the Native American Agricultural Fund. Founded in 1987, the Intertribal Agriculture Council promotes the conservation, development, and sustainable use of agricultural resources to enhance the livelihoods and well-being of Indigenous people. Additionally, the Indigenous Farm Hub located in New Mexico was funded out of a means to change the lasting impacts of colonialism and disparities in health and food access. They utilize a community-guided approach taught by Indigenous leaders to offer a paid fellowship that integrates sustainable agricultural practices, traditional Indigenous farming knowledge, and Native culture, language, and customs.
Understanding the history and value of Indigenous agriculture not only honors the legacies of Native American people but provides insight to solving contemporary environmental challenges. Understanding and working intentionally with Earth's systems is the key to promoting environmental health, sustainability and food security. It’s crucial that we support indigenous farming organizations through volunteering, promotion, or donation to ensure their invaluable practices and traditions will continue for generations to come.
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