Outreach Education for Permaculture as Native Science

Outreach Education for Permaculture as Native Science

Summary

Objectives of this project were:

1) That participants put workshop education into practice, i.e. more families begin/continue food gardening within a community permaculture design;

2) That program outreach personnel and others begin community projects of planting and care;

3) That program outreach personnel gain self-confidence and develop relationships with similar personnel, such as Extension and NRCS staff;

4) That nearby Extensionists join efforts of the outreach programs; and

5) That permaculture as Native Science be brought to the school kids.

The Center for Permaculture as Native Science guides an on-going program of Earth-related activities on the Rosebud Lakota Reservation in south central South Dakota. In the 1997-1999 period, SARE supported learning and outreach practice by program assistants in this education-based project. Most education is hands-on and on-site in the neighborhood of each program assistant. Topics and actions lead to sustainability and care of the environment. They include food gardening; shelterbelt planting for protection, conservation and gathering; nutrition and health education for prevention of diabetes; family honeybees; renewable energy; and Lakota youth activities.

During the two SARE-supported years, special advances were made in self-confidence and leadership skills of the program assistants. Progress was made in: quantity and quality of food gardens (to the point of establishing and supplying community WIC farmers markets); interested and actual tree planting; renewal of pride in gathering and drying; establishment of honeybee hives; and renewable energy education, small applications and preparation for home-site installations. Youth involvement increased, and Elders became more willing to participate and share their knowledge.

To develop an active and positive relationship in which local Extensionists and reservation outreach people join and share will require continued effort. Past confrontations can be potential openings, and we believe the new self-confidence of the program assistants will lead to improved and respectful relations and cooperation.

For more information:
Ann Krush
Center for Permaculture as Native Science
c/o Sinte Gleska University Earth Bldg.
P.O. Box 8
Mission, SD 57555
605-856-2964
605-856-2011 (fax)