Rowen White

Planting Sacred Seeds in a Modern World;

Restoring Indigenous Seed Sovereignty

Rowen White is a Seed Keeper and farmer from the Mohawk community of Akwesasne and a passionate activist for indigenous seed and food sovereignty. Rowen is the current National Project Coordinator and advisor for the Indigenous Seed Keeper Network. She teaches and facilitates creative seed stewardship immersions around the country within tribal and small farming communities. She weaves stories of seeds, food, culture and sacred Earth stewardship.

Come learn about the beautiful seed legacy of the indigenous people of this land, and see how you can be a part of the reconciliation between yourself and the seeds of your own ancestry, and revitalize this ancient web of relationships that comes with being an Indigenous Seed Keeper.

Learn more about Rowen’s work Here.

11:30 AM-12:30 PM

SEED STARTING 101

We’re very excited to have Master Gardener Dan Draves leading another informative workshop for us at the swap this year! Dan will be discussing the basics including how to prepare your soil, starting seeds indoors for long season plants, lighting requirements, germination and more.

12:45-1:45 PM

THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF BEANS: History, Growing & Eating

Join Remy Orlowski, owner of The Sample Seed Shop, for this entertaining and informative presentation. Remy has operated her acclaimed seed company in Buffalo New York since 2009 and has a wealth of knowledge to share about the joys of growing and eating heirloom beans.

2:00- 3:00 PM

PLANTING SACRED SEEDS IN A MODERN WORLD;
Restoring Indigenous Seed Sovereignty

Come learn from Rowen White about the beautiful seed legacy of the indigenous people of this land, and see how you can be a part of the reconciliation between yourself and the seeds of your own ancestry, and revitalize this ancient web of relationships that comes with being an Indigenous Seed Keeper.

11:15 AM-12:15 PM

MICHIGAN SEED LIBRARIES;
The How and Why of Starting a
Community Seed Program in your Neighborhood

Learn from Michigan Seed Librarians Mary Russell and Pam Quackenbush about the importance of community seed sharing intiatives. It is more important than ever that everyone has access to locally adapted seed. Mary and Pam will share stories of their experiences running seed libraries and provide the information you need to get a seed library operating in your community!

12:30-1:30 PM

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING
Deeply Rooted; Saving our Seeds and Stories

Join us for a free screening of this inspiring documentary! For nearly four decades, John Coykendall’s passion has been preserving the farm heritage – the seeds and stories – of a small, farming culture in Southeastern Louisiana.The film, produced by Louisiana Public Broadcasting with funding from Camellia Brand Beans of New Orleans, chronicles Coykendall’s journey to save seeds and traditional farming practices and preserve them for future generations.

11:30 AM-12:00 PM

NATURAL DYES FROM NATIVE MICHIGAN PLANTS

A native plant natural dye garden is planned for 2018 as part of the heritage garden at the Chippewa Nature Center. Sue Erhardt, fiberista and CNC volunteer, will present the information regarding the dye garden installation. The garden and its plants will be utilized for natural dyeing as part of the CNC mission to provide insight into traditional skills. Sue will describe the overall plan for the garden including the plant species, colors that can be obtained and workshops planned for 2019 and beyond.

12:30-1:30 PM

ENGAGING YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY WITH SEEDS

Torrie Rae, of SEED Brown County in Indiana, will discuss the importance of understanding the history of seeds in our cultures, as well as saving seeds collectively for a better future. You will learn the ways in which we as gardeners, farmers, local food advocates and community members can participate in the cycles of seeds!