The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008 - (Page 22)

F o c u s o n t h e F u t u r e , r e s p e c t t h e pa s t VIEJAS REPORTS Growing traditions— Viejas community Garden or centuries, the Kumeyaay people have been stewards of the land, capable of growing crops and producing bountiful harvests in some of the most challenging areas and conditions. The Kumeyaay Indians were masters of their craft and taught themselves to survive with the resources Mother Earth had given them and, with unwavering faith, this is what kept their people alive. Harvesting crops was not an easy task, but one that was critical to survival, and something that every new settler to the area looked to the Kumeyaay people for guidance. Today, the tradition of growing and harvesting crops is still alive at the Viejas Indian Reservation. It is a tradition that many tribal members cherish and take pride in con- F of the crops. Currently the garden is harvesting Serrano chiles; cucumber; Crenshaw and Ysleta melon; peaches; and Patty Pan Summer, Crookneck, and Italian squash. “I selected the seeds to be bought and planted this year in the garden using a native organic seed supply company, keeping in mind our custom and tradition, our elders and children, for what is healthy and fun to grow,” said Tribal Councilman Alan Barrett. The act of giving to those who came before is also an important tradition in the Viejas community. Therefore, the first priority of harvest distribution is to the Senior Center, with the remaining items being used at the Recreation Center and Tribal Office. The Kumeyaay Way  www.viejasbandofkumeyaay.org 22 tinuing. Across from Ipai-Tapai Park (The People’s Park), you will find the Viejas Community Garden, a place where members of the tribe honor their agricultural traditions while providing harvests for today. The garden is open during the week for anyone to take part in the planting and nourishing Each year as the tradition of growing and harvesting continues, so does the remembrance and honoring of the Kumeyaay ancestors that were the original stewards of the land. It is a way to give thanks to the past, and something to pass on, for generations to come.  http://www.viejasbandofkumeyaay.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008

The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008 Contents Kumeyaay History Looking Back at the River of Tears Keeping the Borders Open for All Kumeyaay Tribal Security—Safety First Cultural Embrace Viejas Tribal Member Rescues Eagle Education for All Future in Their Hands Viejas Pow Wow Honors Native American Veterans Growing Traditions—Viejas Community Garden Remember When

The Kumeyaay Way - Winter 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.