Following Their Roots – Traditional Native American Farming in Arizona, Past and Present explores the profound connection between Native American communities in Arizona and their agricultural traditions, offering a rich historical perspective and a glimpse into the contemporary practices that sustain these cultural lifeways today.
One of the exhibit's components, "Agriculture in Arizona," delves into Arizona's unique position as home to the largest Native American farms in the United States. Visitors will discover how these communities have sustained their agricultural practices for over 4,000 years through Traditional Ecological Knowledge—a holistic approach that encompasses the accumulated wisdom, practices, and beliefs about human-environment interactions.
Arizona's diverse landscape, with its six distinct ecosystems and 22 federally recognized tribes, provides a unique backdrop to this story. The exhibit highlights the varying agricultural techniques developed by these tribes, shaped by the specific climate, wildlife, and plant life of their regions.
Central to the exhibit is the narrative of water—a vital yet contested resource in the Southwest. The story of Native American agriculture is inseparable from the history of water rights, marked by struggles against exploitation and colonialism. "Following Their Roots" brings attention to the ongoing efforts to regain water rights, emphasizing their importance in preserving Native American cultural heritage and identity.
Join us at the S’edav Va'aki Museum as we celebrate and learn from the enduring agricultural traditions of Arizona's Native American communities. This exhibit is a testament to their resilience and a call to action to preserve these essential practices.
