By Scout Nelson
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Indigenous Youth Food Sovereignty Program in Nebraska is fostering change among Native American youth by encouraging them to practice farming and honor their cultural heritage.
With Nebraska's deep agricultural roots, many urban students feel detached from the land. Ted Hibbeler, an educator and Native engagement leader, aims to change this by introducing young Native Americans in Lincoln to the importance of food sustainability and reconnecting with the earth.
This initiative began two years ago and welcomes a growing number of students eager to delve into their cultural and agricultural legacy. Expertise is shared by college agriculturalists alongside Indigenous knowledge bearers, offering students a well-rounded perspective on food production.
Lizzie Casas, a program alumna, values this learning journey, engaging with the land in the way of her ancestors. She, along with other participants, contributes to community wellness by providing fresh produce, evidenced by the distribution of hundreds of pounds of food at local events.
Program coordinator Timothy Thielen, motivated by his own heritage and community commitment, sees the initiative's broader potential. The recent addition of a greenhouse expands opportunities for year-round cultivation and future economic endeavors like farmers market participation.
The program not only instructs on practical gardening but emphasizes a comprehensive approach to living, incorporating physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual wellness through stewardship of the land.
Students’ hands-on experience in the garden is complemented by guidance from Hibbeler and others, who help to weave a thread between their actions and ancestral wisdom. Through planting, harvesting, and sharing, these students learn lifelong lessons of community and self-reliance.
Photo Credit: university-of-nebraska-animal-science
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General