Indigenous Ecological Knowledge: Recognizing, Revitalizing, and Guiding Us Forward

The East Coast Seedkeepers, made up of members of the Nanticoke and Lumbee communities, will discuss how they are exercising their sovereignty, revitalizing Indigenous peoples' relationships with plant ancestors, and strengthening community food systems. The team envisions a regenerative food system where ancestral seeds support environmental resilience, strengthen local economies, and empower Indigenous people and communities. Their interdisciplinary work encompasses horticulture, oral history, archival research, community conversations, and genetic analysis.