I had the opportunity to take part in the summer of 2024 Internship at Elderberry Wisdom Farm. This was my first internship of any kind, and it surpassed all expectations. With my educational background in psychology and my work experience more in the realm of working with sensitive (human) populations, I had struggled to find opportunities that allowed me to immerse myself in land stewardship while still honoring the values and roles that I uphold as a Native American. My interest in land stewardship slowly started to develop as I began to heal myself from the residual symptoms of forced assimilation. In brief, that healing started by learning psychology, Native American studies and history, along with continued education on trauma and brief exposure to TEK (Traditional Ecological Knowledge). The healthier I became the greater my lens of interest became, and I could no longer sit by and only focus only on helping people heal and ignore our First Mother.
I came to the farm with just a little exposure to TEK, as I was slowly taking courses for an ITECK (Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge) certificate at a local university. This was slow going because the system we are currently in does not have a spot for individuals that do not desire the pursuit of the “American Dream.” It is a luxury to have time and ability to invest in your family, self healing, land healing, and reconnecting with culture and community that was violently stolen from you. This internship allowed me the opportunity to do just that, to honor my Native American values and self. This was my first time finding a place that gave me a sense of home and belonging straight down to the nuclei. I have no doubt the ancestors brought me to the farm to learn and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. My favorite part of the internship was the opportunity to learn how to work with the land in a respectful and traditional manner. I have not had much exposure to land work and was grateful to be given the opportunity to learn in such a wonderful space.
There is one other thing that I would like to share that resonated with me, that was the classes that were taught by Rose High Bear, Native American wellness and resilience. The information shared in these classes are vital for individuals and communities to start healing and to work towards breaking the cycles that currently hinder them from flourishing and living a life outside of poverty or severe mental unrest. It was only through formal education and years of treatment and research did I develop an understanding of this. I have yet to find another organization offering an opportunity like this, one where they bring that connection to the forefront and it is their priority to address the two together, this leaves me to believe EWF is ahead of many organizations and programs on a deep foundational level. This internship beautifully encompasses the importance of balance within a system at all levels. Through in person class discussions, out in the field hands on learning opportunities and cultural exposure, Elderberry Wisdom Farms is a place for healing not only the land, but also our people.
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