

[Full Interview] Unexpected Agricultures – with Lyla June Johnston
11 snips Jul 19, 2022
Lyla June Johnston is an Indigenous public speaker, artist, and scholar focused on food systems revitalization. In this enlightening chat, she delves into the rich history of Indigenous food systems and their cultural significance. Johnston discusses the ecological roles of various species and the necessity of viewing humans as stewards of the Earth. She highlights the importance of reclaiming food sovereignty and the interconnections within ecosystems. With a blend of personal narratives and historical examples, she advocates for sustainable practices that restore our relationship to food and land.
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Chesapeake Bay Oysters
- Indigenous peoples of the Chesapeake Bay harvested oysters sustainably for 6,000 years.
- Under American management, the oyster fishery collapsed within 400 years.
Clam Gardens
- Coastal Salish peoples built clam gardens with rock walls, augmenting clam habitats for at least 6,000 years.
- These walls trapped sediment, creating ideal clam environments.
Grasslands and Fire
- Native peoples used cool burns to create and maintain grasslands, supporting diverse species like buffalo and elk.
- The grasslands were not natural but anthropogenic, shaped by human intervention.