A recent torrent of rain on the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin devastated the white corn crop and disrupted important traditions. Families attempted to replant, but the seeds dissolved in the wet soil. This loss not only impacts food supply but also cancels important community events and ceremonies. Indigenous growers are facing increasing uncertainty due to climate change, with extreme weather patterns making it difficult to predict growing conditions.
Efforts to adapt include using cover crops to improve soil health and protect against future droughts and floods, but it may not always be enough. Growing corn communally allows families to learn from each other and share the labor-intensive tasks, but even this approach was no match for this year’s extreme weather events.
Traditional farming knowledge is crucial for Indigenous communities as they face a changing climate. Reviving past practices is challenging as seasonal unpredictability increases. Research is needed to understand the science behind sustainable Indigenous farming techniques that have been passed down through generations.
Oneida growers prioritize stewarding the land and improving soil health over maximizing yields, a contrast to commercial farmers. There is a call to include Indigenous practices in mainstream agriculture to address the challenges posed by climate change. The conversation about incorporating these practices into modern farming has not received enough attention yet, but efforts are being made to amplify the importance of Indigenous knowledge in sustainable agriculture.
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