Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. In: Fleischner, Thomas L., ed. White Hawk writes: "As a suite, these works speak to the importance of kinship roles and tribal structures that emphasize the necessity of extended family, tribal and communal ties as meaningful and significant relationships necessary for the rearing of healthy and happy individuals and communities. Observe them and work to see them beyond their scientific or everyday names. Kimmerer combines these elements with a powerfully poetic voice that begs for the return to a restorative and sustainable relationship between people and nature. Not what I expected, but all the better for it. The questionssampled here focus onreader experience and connection. What are your thoughts on the assertion of mutual taming between plants and humans? I would catch myself arguing with her for idealizing her world view, for ignoring the darker realities of life, and for preaching at me, although I agree with every single thing she advocates. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. What aspects did you find difficult to understand? As she says: We are all bound by a covenant of reciprocity: plant breath for animal breath, winter and summer, predator and prey, grass and fire, night and day, living and dying. As a botanist, Robin Wall Kimmerer has been trained to ask questions of nature with the tools of science. If you're interested in even more Braiding Sweetgrass book club questions, I highly recommend these discussion questions (best reviewed after reading the book) from Longwood Gardens. Looking back through the book, pick one paragraph or sentence from each of these sections that for you, capture the essence of the statement that Kimmerer includes in the intro of each section. She is the co-founder and past president of the Traditional Ecological Knowledge section of the Ecological Society of America. She writes about the natural world from a place of such abundant passion that one can never quite see the world the same way after having seen it through Kimmerer's eyes. My mother is a veteran. What are ways we can improve the relationship? This article highlights the findings of the literature on aboriginal fire from the human- and the land-centered disciplines, and suggests that the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples be incorporated into plans for reintroducing fire to the nation's forests. The reflecting surface of the pool is textured with their signatures, each one different in pace and resonance. Will the language you use when referencing plants change? Throughout five sections that mirror the important lifecycle of sweetgrass, Dr. Kimmerer unfolds layers of Indigenous wisdom that not only captures the attention of the reader, but also challenges the perspectives of Western thought in a beautiful and passionate way. know its power in many formswaterfalls and rain, mists and streams, rivers and oceans, snow and ice. Her book draws not only on the inherited wisdom of Native Americans, but also on the knowledge Western science has accumulated about plants. Kimmerer hopes that with the return of salmon to Cascade Head, some of the sacred ceremonies of gratitude and reciprocity that once greeted them might return as well. In addition to this feature event, Sweet Briar is hosting a series of events that complement . Witness to the Rain In this chapter, Kimmerer considers the nature of raindrops and the flaws surrounding our human conception of time. This book contains one exceptional essay that I would highly recommend to everyone, "The Sacred and the Superfund." Five stars for introducing me to Sweetgrass, its many Native American traditions, and her message of caring for and showing gratitude for the Earth. If not, what obstacles do you face in feeling part of your land? What problems does Kimmerer identify and what solutions does she propose in Braiding Sweetgrass? Braiding Sweetgrass. Already a member? Planting Sweetgrass includes the chapters Skywoman Falling, The Council of Pecans, The Gift of Strawberries, An Offering, Asters and Goldenrod, and Learning the Grammar of Animacy. Kimmerer introduces the concepts of reciprocity, gratitude, and gift-giving as elements of a healthy relationship with ones environment which she witnessed from her indigenous family and culture growing up. In areas where it was ignored, it came back reduced in quantity, thus bearing out the Native American saying: Take care of the land and the land will take care of you.. I'm Melanie - the founder and content creator of Inspired Epicurean. Do you believe in land as a teacher? It also greatly touches upon how humans and nature impact one another and how we should appreciate the journey that food and nature have taken to get to our tables and backyards. I had no idea how much I needed this book until I read it. Read the Epilogue of Braiding Sweetgrass, Returning the Gift. Read it. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Required fields are marked *. Everything is steeped in meaning, colored by relationships, one thing with another.[]. When you have all the time in the world, you can spend it, not on going somewhere, but on being where you are. She then relates the Mayan creation story. They feel like kindred spirits. This story is usually read as a history, but Kimmerer reminds the reader that in many Indigenous cultures time is not linear but rather circular. Its about pursuing the wants and needs of humans, with less concern for the more-than-human world. Was the use of animals as people in various stories an effective use of metaphor? (LogOut/ I wish that I could stand like a shaggy cedar with rain seeping into my bark, that water could dissolve the barrier between us. Milkweed Editions, 2013. How do we characterize wealth and abundance? Her book reachedanother impressive milestone last weekwhen Kimmerer received a MacArthur genius grant. Against the background hiss of rain, she distinguishes the sounds drops make when they fall on different surfaces, a large leaf, a rock, a small pool of water, or moss. In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer . Give your attention to the plants and natural elements around you. Visualize an element of the natural world and write a letter of appreciation and observation. Kimmerer who recently won a MacArthur Foundation "genius" grant used as an example one successful project at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, where she directs the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. One thing Ive learned in the woods is that there is no such thing as random. Do you consider them inanimate objects? In a small chapter towards the end of the book, "Witness to the Rain," Kimmerer notices how the rhythm and tempo of rain failing over land changes markedly from place to place. She isnt going for a walk or gathering kindling or looking for herbs; shes just paying attention. For more discussion prompts and facilitation tips,or to join the conversation, please join the Buffs OneRead community course: Braiding Sweetgrass. Robin Wall Kimmerer begins her book Gathering Moss with a journey in the Amazon rainforest, during which Indigenous guides helped her see an iguana on the tree branch, a toucan in the leaves. She compares this healthy relationship to the scientific relationship she experienced as a young scholar, wherein she struggled to reconcile spirituality, biology, and aesthetics into one coherent way of thinking. One such attempt at reclaiming Indigenous culture is being made by Sakokwenionkwas, or Tom Porter, a member of the Bear Clan. Kimmerer is a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. What are your thoughts concerning indigenous agriculture in contrast to Western agriculture? As an American, I don't think my countrypeople appreciate or understand enough about native culture, as a general rule and so I was very grateful for this sort of overview of modern day native life, as well as beautiful stories about the past. Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer (also credited as Robin W. Kimmerer) (born 1953) is Associate Professor of Environmental and Forest Biology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF). I really enjoyed this. Burning Sweetgrass and Epilogue Summary and Analysis, The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child. And, when your book club gets together, I suggest these Triple Chocolate Chickpea Brownie Bites that are a vegan and more sustainable recipe compared to traditional brownies. From Braiding Sweetgras s by author, ethnobotanist, and biologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation: "Our old farm is within the ancestral homelands of the Onondaga Nation, and their reserve lies a few ridges to the west of my hilltop. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling collection of essays Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. 1) Bring some homage to rainit can be a memory of your most memorable experience ever walking in the rain, listening to rainfall, staying inside by a fire while it rained, etc.or a poem or piece of prose that captures something you feel about rainor a haiku you write tomorrow morning over your coffeeor best of all, a potent rain dance! As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers. "An inspired weaving of indigenous knowledge, plant science, and personal narrative from a distinguished professor of science and a Native American whose previous book, Gathering Moss, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing. What are your thoughts regarding the democracy of species concept? The chapters reinforce the importance of reciprocity and gratitude in defeating the greed that drives human expansion at the expense of the earths health and plenitude. We will discuss it more soon on their podcast and in the meantime I'll try to gather my thoughts! Why or why not? When people are in the presence of nature, often no other lesson is needed to move them to awe. She served as Gallery Director and Curator for the All My Relations Gallery in Minneapolis from 2011-2015. It edges up the toe slope to the forest, a wide unseen river that flows beneath the eddies and the splash. I share delicious vegan recipes (with a few flexitarian recipes from my pre-vegan days). All rights reserved. When was the last time you experienced a meditative moment listening to the rain? Is it possible to stay quiet long enough to hear/learn? . Did you recognize yourself or your experiences in it? Kimmerer also discusses her own journey to Kanatsiohareke, where she offered her own services at attempting to repopulate the area with native sweetgrass. Kimmerer traces this theme by looking at forest restoration, biological models of symbiosis, the story of Nanabozho, her experiences of teaching ethnobotany, and other topics. 226 likes. Tending Sweetgrass includes the chapters Maple Sugar Moon, Witch Hazel, A Mothers Work, The Consolation of Water Lilies, and Allegiance to Gratitude. This section more closely explores the bounty of the earth and what it gives to human beings. So I stretch out, close my eyes, and listen to the rain. Picking Sweetgrass includes the chapters Epiphany in the Beans, The Three Sisters, Wisgaak Gokpenagen: A Black Ash Basket, Mishkos Kenomagwen: The Teachings of Grass, Maple Nation: A Citizenship Guide, and The Honorable Harvest. This section dwells on the responsibilities attendant on human beings in relation to the earth, after Kimmerer already establishes that the earth does give gifts to humanity and that gifts are deserving of reciprocal giving. Her use of vibrant metaphor captures emotion in such a way that each chapter leaves us feeling ready to roll up our sleeves and reintroduce ourselves to the backyard, apartment garden, or whatever bit of greenspace you have in your area. The solution? Listening, standing witness, creates an openness to the world in which boundaries between us can dissolve in a raindrop." From 'Witness to Rain' [essay], BRAIDING SWEETGRASS: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teaching of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer, 2015 by Milkweed Editions. publication in traditional print. The gods send disasters to strike them, and they also give the rest of creation their own voices to speak out against their mistreatment. The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. The property she purchases comes with a half acre pond that once was the favorite swimming hole for the community's boys, but which now is choked with plant growth. In this chapter, Kimmerer considers the nature of raindrops and the flaws surrounding our human conception of time. She's completely comfortable moving between the two and their co-existence within her mind gives her a unique understanding of her experience. Note: When citing an online source, it is important to include all necessary dates. The artists' books made in a concertina format, bear witness to the events observed, as visual scales. Did you Google any concepts or references? She has participated in residencies in Australia and Russia and Germany. Her writing about the importance of maintaining indigenous language and culture also elicited feelings of tenderness and sadness from me. How did this change or reinforce your understanding of gifts and gift-giving? Braiding Sweetgrass consists of the chapters In the Footsteps of Nanabozho: Becoming Indigenous to Place, The Sound of Silverbells, Sitting in a Circle, Burning Cascade Head, Putting Down Roots, Umbilicaria: The Belly Button of the World, Old-Growth Children, and Witness to the Rain. Here, Kimmerer delves into reconciling humanity with the environment, dwelling in particular upon the changes wrought between generations upon the way in which one considers the land one lives on. What did you think of the perspective regarding the ceremony of life events; in which those who have been provided with the reason for the celebration give gifts to those in attendance. The Earth is but ONE country and all living beings her citizens. And we think of it as simply rain, as if it were one thing, as if we understood it. 2) Look back over the introductory pages for each section"Planting Sweetgrass", "Tending Sweetgrass", Picking Sweetgrass", "Braiding Sweetgrass"for each of these sections Kimmerer includes a short preface statement. The author has a flowery, repetitive, overly polished writing style that simply did not appeal to me. The way the content is organized, LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in, Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Knowledge. Christelle Enault is an artist and illustrator based in Paris. Witness to the Rain. Do you relate more to people of corn or wood? Kimmerer describes how the people of the Onondaga Nation begin every gathering with what is often called the "Thanksgiving Address.".
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