Episode 88: American Indian Mothers (and Fathers)

On our way across North Carolina, we stopped to chat with some Native American Farmers trying to change the food and work situation in their communities.  Plagued with high poverty rates and little access to good food, these folks were inspiring in their efforts to farm in a sustainable way.

  • Joan

    HI there:  It’s hard to catch the name of the gentleman with the feather in his hair and that of the tribal nation he is a member of.  Can you please add it into the description if possible?  Congratulations to them. A link to their history would add to the profile, as their cultural roots include thanking the creator at planting and harvesting.  The Slow Food movement (founded in Italy) http://www.slowfood.com supports indigenous peoples who are revitalizing their attitudes towards a sustainable food supply and the education of younger farmers.

  • Robflyhang

    Jeepers Creepers…. I hope you aren’t falling for this baloney? The Lumbee Indians…..the feather in the hair is as close as they come ….. DO NOT live in a huge desolate area like some Western Tribes. They have as much chance to compete economically as everyone else who lives around here. The color of their skin is neutral…Try being black and earn a living ’round here. That shiny new John Deere Tractor and 4-5 foot rototiller on back…..guess who paid for that? Guess who paid for the shiny big pick up truck full of magnetic signs? Guess who paid for the office building you were in, when she freaked that a camera was there to document? Guess who paid for all those nice Brick Houses you drove past? Guess who paid for all those FREE agricultural classes the man just “loves to attend” everry time? Guess who has lobbiests up in Washington, DC trying to get approval for a Casino? Now THATS an honorable way to make a living?

    Plenty of good people here working the soil, struggling to earn an income without playing the “Poor Little Me” race card….If you took the time to look around, you probably noticed all the huge personal gardens…..grown by people who are willing to WORK…not just complain and demand handouts.

    No, I don’t have a dog in this fight….Just reporting the way it is.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jean-Pierre-Rousseau/100001948467278 Jean Pierre Rousseau

      you sir,are an asshole racist.

  • http://twitter.com/kevinkossowan Kevin Kossowan

    Regardless of any socio-economic politics, I appreciate anybody who is willing to be that grateful for what they have. Perhaps that’s an old traditional way of thinking that was lost for a time, but that’s no different than in a lot of other places and cultures around the world, including where I live.

  • Robflyhang

    Kevin, exactly right…No difference at all……I think pretty much every mindful person is greatful and respectful for what they have….As the times keep getting tougher for many, we pay closer attention to what is real….our planet and our food/water.

    Jean Pierre Rosseau….Speaking of race does not make one a racist…..Or the original post by our kind hosts would also be racist. Wearing a feather in your hair does not make a person or group superior or closer to mother earth. Dumping garbage for pay on land owned by absentee owners doesn’t help much either.

    Name calling with no constructive input is useless……which proves the point perfectly on bad representaion of a group..

    The use of foul language is not appropiate here….Hopefully children are also following this blog, and they don’t need to be exposed to that yet.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jean-Pierre-Rousseau/100001948467278 Jean Pierre Rousseau

      just reread your comments from yesterday,because of course you are right about foul language,but i am sorry to admit i still stand by mine.i should have chosen milder words but they would not translate properly my disdain towards that kind of negative propos.

  • Robflyhang

    “;Spam” linked to diabetes risk in Native Americans Source: chicagotribune.com

    Here you go Jean Pierre, mon frere. Follow the link. Teach Your Children Well….Not how to Cop Out & place blame

  • Robflyhang

    Jean Pierre Rousseau…follow the link to the Chicago Tribune. Upper right corner will be “Search” Box. Enter “Native Americans and Spam”….The article should pop up if you look closely. Who cares more about the peoples health.? Who is calling who nasty names? Who is being lazy and feeding their families imitation food? McDonalds, Spam canned meat, etc.  Claiming to be “First Nation” is no longer an excuse for poor choices…..or for being lousy examples to the young people.

    • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jean-Pierre-Rousseau/100001948467278 Jean Pierre Rousseau

      thank you for the link robflyhang,but i could not find in it the reason for your intolerance.of course some people will maque poor choices in life particularly poor people in that case,but poor people are not native americans nor native americans poor people.and by the way being poor dosent make one lazy,i dont see why you call these nice people,who are realy triing to better themselves,like some kind of parasites and how would you know who paid for their machineries.come on man you are the perfect example of how ugly racism makes somewone sound.i agree whit teach your children well,my children are very tolerant towards others and forgiving for the little wrongs they see,but here at home we put racism,rape, bullying and murder in the same box.

  • Robflyhang

    Hello Jean P R,, Thank you for the reply. It appears we may have a thoughtful communication going on here. I don’t sense we are trying to harm each other…..just Discus

    I take it you are not from the region mentioned? If you were, you would understand what I am talking about. I am NOT using silly generic terms such as “Lazy Indian” etc

    I don’t appreciate your placing my observations and respectful (as can be) comments in the same box as rape & murder?

    You call this teaching your children well?

    If you are willing to continue this important discourse in a civilived, courteous manner, so am I. Perhaps it will become a good example.

    If you choose to lower the conversation to name calling., linking my input to rape & murder, etc…..I will drop you like a hot rock.

    Oh, just so you don’t think I’m a Chicken Sh**…..I signed up for Perrenial Plate with my real name….No idea how I ended up on Disqus

    Best, Robert