Farming is integral to human culture, therefore a part of human consciousness.

Depletion of natural resources leads people to move to areas where resources are less scarce; causing overpopulation and further resource depletion as the new area of migration was not built to maintain such increases, usually leading to conflict and further migration.

Countries increasing their factory farming productions further pushes GCC beyond human “control” which unevenly affects people in costal and arid regions.

Controlling and destroying indigenous/aboriginal food systems has been used as a method of genocide and assimilation by colonizers/imperialists.

Maintaining traditional farming practices is important to many diverse cultures across our country.

At its core, farming is a spiritual practice. In America, it has become an industry, focused on the newest technology and most efficient practices, and not on what is best for the land and the people.

America's agriculture industry has completely removed all respect for life, land and culture. Now more than ever, we are realizing that the spiritual ties to the land and our crops can make for a better system for all Americans.

"These multinational corporations have no sentimental ties to family, community, or even to any given country, because they are not real people."

West Michigan has one of the largest farming populations in Michigan.

Primarily small farms that grow mainly fruits like apples and blueberries. Also a large population of dairy farms.

Working to move away from these crops and towards a pre colonized diet of traditional foods that will grow with West Michigan's environment.

Modern farming practices in West Michigan ignore plants and ideas used by indigenous populations. Create new methods that combine both the knowledge of the past with the technology of the present.

The need for a space for West Michigan residents to connect with past traditions and practices.

Look at farming practices of the past to create a more economically sustainable farming system. Moving away from a capitalist form of food marketing.

In most native religious ceremonies the plants and herbs used are gifted and never bought.

It is important to understand the trade offs that will have to be made in order to practice sustainable farming and working your budget around these expenses.

By using the 5 indigenous farming practices, we maintain the natural integrity of the land and its surroundings.

We can learn from indigenous and native cultures and the symbiotic relationship they have with the land- there must be a balance of give and take.

Mechanical farming practices destroy the natural nutrient density in the soil, leaving over-processed plots of land completely barren.

Help settlers/colonizers better understand and connect with their local land.

Assist in healing of native generational trauma through providing natural spaces to re-build relationships.

Provide several degree programs with a living educational space (NRM, ENS, INT, BIO, etc.)