By Jennifer Freeman
EWF’s Urban Forestry Educator/Mentor
Ts’epk’esh a’y! (Good morning! in the Salinan Language) Wow 2025! I have just transplanted myself to Oregon from Alaska. I am a Salinan Tribal Member for San Luis Obispo and Monterey Counties of California, and where I spent the first thirty-three sun rotations. As I rotate for my fiftieth time this year, I will begin training to be an Elder in my tribe.
In May 2024 I visited Oregon State University in Corvallis to potentially pursue graduate studies in Indigenous Education focusing on Environmental Agriculture and Economic Development for tribal communities. My tribal family has always utilized Blue Elderberry (tetɑ´pʽkoˑʟ in the Salinan Language) so I was interested to learn about its uses with northern tribes, so I discovered Elderberry Wisdom Farm and paid them a visit.
I have now accepted a part-time position at EWF Urban Forestry. Working for not-for-profit companies gives me great hope for the future and the creativity to guide the next generations of leaders while still having fun! It is great getting to know my co-workers who are wonderful people with so many qualities, skills and abilities. Everyone has welcomed me and are giving me pointers to navigate the “city life” after living in the wilderness for the last two decades.
Winter is a time of dormancy and preserving energy for spring growth. These icy mornings remind me to take time to reflect inward and evaluate what was and what will be. Recently at the volunteer farm workday I was delighted to be outside “playing in the dirt” connecting with our First Mother and getting to learn more about the ecosystems of the local areas. It reminded me that just like my plant ancestors I will need to start slowly setting roots into this new land where I’ll be living over the next four years. Xayaatspaneekan! (Thank you in the Salinan Language)
Comentarios