Navajo origin stories relate to a time of starvation for the People, and their only survival was growing their own foods rich in nutrients. Today, our people have higher rates of obesity and diabetes. We are starving for nutrient-rich foods. Our youth can change this by promoting and cultivating locally grown traditional foods. The K’idaadiilyehii ("The Ones Who Plant") Youth Program is geared to inspire our future generations by learning and teaching traditional and modern tools of knowledge, engaging in entrepreneurship, and developing warriorship skills to ensure the health and well-being of our communities.
Sihasin can translate to "reflection" or the "time for evaluation". It is also a time for rest and healing. It is during this time that plans and projects are strengthened. We believe in growing our own foods by combating nutrition-deprived famine that are caused by low-nutrition diets.
The Sihasin Garden Warriors are made up of TLE's youth who empower community members to garden and farm using traditional and modern techniques. Our garden warriors play a large role in improving our Sihasin Garden at TLE by building up healthy soil, drip irrigation, plant/weed identification, bug/pest control, seeding, and planting.
The Sihasin Garden Leaders (internship program) are youth who have demonstrated leadership qualities and an interest in building their farming and gardening skills. The garden leaders receive in-depth fundamentals of traditional and modern agriculture. They will learn to teach the garden warriors and community members about improving healthy soil, drip irrigation, plant/weed identification, bug/pest control, seeding, planting, organizing farmers market, social media branding, and sharing their experience with the community.
Our region is rich in history, culture, and biodiversity. Digital storytelling is an opportunity for youth to engage, learn, and to able to tell our own story through film using DSLR camera or smart phone camera.
Cultural art spaces are where we can change the narrative about food sovereignty in indigenous communities. Our communities are now seeking ways to heal from the historical trauma that disrupted our connection to the natural world, our language, and the sacred connection to the Seven Generations. Art taught through the lens of our cultural philosophies plays a significant role in healing. In addition to healing, art entrepreneurs can leverage their talent to make a living and provide for their families.
Check Back for future the Art of Food Sovereignty Workshops or email tolanienterprises@gmail.com to be added to our mailing list to receive information about all future workshops.