Todd and Laura, DLC’s Board President and Executive Director, had the opportunity to participate in Montezuma Land Conservancy’s Traditional Harvest program and Cross-Cultural Day. The Traditional Harvest Program has been featured nationally in an LTA publication about indigenous partnerships within the land conservation world. What is Traditional Harvest?
Guided by Traditional Ecological Knowledge and cultural protocols, cultural harvest programs facilitate the harvesting of plants for food, medicine or ceremonies; gathering materials for basket weaving, regalia or traditional art; and/or engaging in sustainable hunting and fishing practices. Cultural harvest programs support the continuation or revitalization of cultural practices, support ecological stewardship and promote sustainable land management ethics.
MLC provided an opportunity for local tribal members, land trust staff, and community members to participate in planting on a private property that is part of the program. The landowners have an agreement with MLC and local Indigenous tribes where tribal members can harvest plant materials and conduct ceremonies on their property. Laura and Todd spent the day on this property planting cottonwoods, choke cherries, and cinquefoil while learning about ecology and indigenous history. In Laura’s words, “it was an exhausting day but the feeling of making a difference was incredibly rewarding.”
During the Cross-Cultural Day, they were fortunate to view the screening of a production about the Traditional Harvest Program in conjunction with Trees, Water, People. It was a day full of inspiring ideas and gratitude.