Andre StrongBearHeart and his younger kin will offer a welcome song and speak on the reciprocal relationship the Nipmuc people have with the land, so that all present can have the things they need. Nipmuc people still harvest and hunt much of what they have for the past 12,000+ years, but now face regulations, clear-cutting, pollution and other challenges. What has been harvested and what is its importance? How can we ally and move forward together? He will offer a snake dance to acknowledge medicinal plants and all things without legs, and will describe the crucial interconnectivity between bioregions of indigenous peoples and how this can shape our future.
Presenter:
Andre StrongBearHeart Gaines, Jr. (he/him) is a citizen of the Nipmuc people. He serves as a cultural steward for his Tribe, is a father, public speaker, traditional dancer, Indigenous activist for Indigenous rights, carpenter and educator. Andre’s work focuses on bringing traditional knowledge back to Indigenous peoples, including brain-tanning hides and making drums, buckskin and blankets. Family, culture and traditions are at the core of his life.
This workshop recording comes from the 2022 Northeast Organic Farming Association/ Massachusetts chapter (NOFA/Mass) Winter Conference.
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