Practicing Land Acknowledgment

This November, as we give T H A N K S, let us reflect on the indigenous communities that originally settled in Germantown and the greater Hudson Valley.

M O H I C A N S

The Mohicans migrated to the Mahicannituck, the river that flows both ways (Hudson Valley) 700 years ago. They refer to themselves as the Muh-he-con-neok which means People of the Waters that are Never Still. They are tied to the river by name and livelihood— seasonal hunting, fishing and farming along the Hudson and its tributaries. The majority of today's Mohicans are located on a reservation in Wisconsin, known now as the Stockbridge-Munsee band.

Learn more about them at mohican.com

Here are some of our recommendations for ways to begin practicing land acknowledgment:

Watch : Seeds of Hope, Hope on the Hudson Series

www.hudsonriverstories.com/seeds-of-hope

Watch the Hudson Valley Farm Hub and Seedshed as they honor indigenous seeds that are at risk of disappearing.

Read : Braiding Sweetgrass
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants

By Robin Wall Kimmerer
Available here

Grow : The Three Sisters

Indigenous term given to three seeds grown together in this region : Beans, Corn, and Squash 

Each nation has its own legend about these sisters, the common thread being that the gifts of each are more fully expressed when they are nurtured together than alone - a lesson for all of us.

Corn provides tall stalks for the beans to climb. 

Beans provide nitrogen in the soil that the corn and squash need to grow. 

Squash leaves shade the ground which helps retain soil moisture and prevent weeds. 

A diet of corn, beans, and squash is complete and balanced. 

Corn provides carbohydrates. Beans are rich in protein and amino acids. Squash provides vitamins and minerals.