Anishinabek AgricultureEnvironmental Sustainability
(Gaataanaamwin Naagidewenjigaadek Gitkamig)
According to the Ngo Dwe Waangizid Anishinaabe, there were gifts given to the Anishinabe to look after; fire, water, earth and wind. The Anishinabek Nation seeks to be good stewards of the land and we have been taught we must consider the next seven generations. Environmental sustainability in agriculture means that we are good stewards of the natural systems and resources that farms rely on. This may involve building and maintaining healthy soil, managing water wisely, promoting biodiversity, and minimizing the pollution of land, air and water. It also means rejuvenating and seeking to restore sites where ecological damages have taken place.
Agroecology is the science of managing a farm as an ecosystem. Some sustainable agricultural practices you may wish to consider are rotating crops, planting cover crops, reducing or eliminating tillage, adopting agroforestry practices, minimizing water use, and properly managing wastes.
A first step to managing your farm sustainably is to develop an Environmental Farm Plan. To learn more, contact our staff.
The Anishinabek Nation are members of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO) and staff participates in meetings of the EFAO to learn more about ecological sustainability principles in agriculture. Individual BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) growers are eligible for a free 1 year trial membership in the EFAO. Visit the Agricultural Organizations page for more information and links.