Cultivating Collaboration: Indigenous Agriculture Gathering Highlights Local Wisdom and Future Partnerships
A Gathering Rooted in Tradition and Innovation
On January 22nd, community members, educators, and students came together in Sells, Arizona, for an inspiring day of learning, sharing, and collaboration centered on Indigenous agriculture. The meal was hosted by the Tohono O’odham Community College (TOCC) Tohono Kosin Desert Kitchen Program, the gathering brought together representatives from the Indigenous Resilience Center (IRes) at the University of Arizona, Baboquivari High School, TOCC, the American Indian College Fund, Native Seed Search, and local farmers to explore the connections between traditional agricultural practices, food sovereignty, and community resilience.
Honoring the Land and Its Teachings
The event opened with a blessing and welcome from Anselmo Ramon, Chair of Workforce & Community Development, grounding the gathering in gratitude and respect for the land and its teachings. Attendees then enjoyed a farm-to-table meal, featuring Southwestern Ratatouille and fresh salad, prepared as part of the Tohono Kosin Program’s initiative to connect students with sustainable food systems. The meal served as a powerful reminder of the importance of locally grown, culturally relevant food in strengthening community health and well-being.
Dr. Mike Johnson: A Story of Resilience and the Sacredness of Corn
A highlight of the event was a powerful presentation by Dr. Mike Johnson, an expert in Hopi dryland farming. Rather than focusing solely on agricultural techniques, Dr. Johnson’s talk served as an inspiration to students and community members alike. He shared his personal journey—one of perseverance, transformation, and reconnection with his roots. His story illustrated how embracing Indigenous knowledge and traditions, particularly the significance of corn in Hopi culture, helped him overcome challenges and find purpose.
For the Hopi people, corn is more than just sustenance—it is life itself, representing resilience, balance, and deep spiritual connection. Dr. Johnson emphasized how traditional agricultural practices carry teachings far beyond the field, shaping identity, responsibility, and intergenerational knowledge. His words resonated deeply with attendees, particularly the young students who are carving their own paths in agriculture and community leadership.
Exploring the Future: Local Gardens and Agricultural Initiatives
The afternoon was dedicated to immersive learning through hands-on experiences at local agricultural sites. The first stop was Baboquivari High School’s garden, where upper-division agriculture students shared their work and insights. The garden serves as a living classroom, helping students develop practical skills while strengthening their connection to traditional food systems.
Building Relationships for a Stronger Future
Beyond the knowledge shared, the event was a space for building relationships and fostering partnerships. Conversations throughout the day focused on how different institutions and community members can work together to support Indigenous-led agricultural initiatives. As participants reflected on the day’s experiences, a common theme emerged—the need to ensure that Indigenous food systems, traditions, and teachings continue to thrive for future generations.
With growing collaborations between IRes, TOCC, Baboquivari High School, and local farmers, this gathering served as a powerful gathering of people working on Indigenous agriculture and education. Dr. Johnson’s journey, the knowledge exchanged, and the hands-on experiences in the gardens and farms all reinforced a collective commitment: to honor the wisdom of the land, empower the next generation, and cultivate a future where Indigenous agricultural traditions remain at the heart of sustainable food systems.