Sprouting hope
Documentary explores effort to preserve traditional Native American seeds
Clayton Brascoupe enjoys learning. And it happens daily. Brascoupe of Tesuque Pueblo is one of the founders of the Traditional Native American Farmers Association.
The nonprofit organization, formed in 1992, develops educational programs in organic and sustainable farming for Native American communities.
“We’re trying to promote agriculture back into our communities,” he says.
Brascoupe and the organization are featured in the documentary “SEED: The Untold Story.” It will air at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 22, in celebration of Earth Day on New Mexico PBS, Channel 5.1.
Few things on Earth are as miraculous and vital as seeds, but in the past century alone, 94 Native American seed varieties have disappeared, Brascoupe said.
The documentary follows passionate seed-keepers protecting Native Americans’ 12,000-year-old food legacy. As biotech companies increasingly control the majority of our seeds, it’s up to farmers, scientists, lawyers and indigenous people to defend the future of our food.
Part of the film is set in New Mexico and features Brascoupe, who says it’s important to learn about seeds and the history of them.
He says the organization provides a service.
“To me, it seems like it’s an ongoing maintenance,” he says. “The first part of it is trying to locate the seeds. Then trying to find out from the elder people in the communities the story behind it. One of the positive things we’ve seen in the last 10 years or more is there is a renewed interest in older varieties of seeds. People are more aware of what they are eating.”
Brascoupe has farmed with his family in Tesuque Pueblo since 1973.
He says that in the northern pueblos, the organization is finding more varieties of beans.
“Now we’re finding out there are so many more different types of beans,” he says. “That’s our learning curve. We are finding different varieties of local beans. I couldn’t give you a firm number of how many different kinds of beans are grown. It’s all about gathering the data and documenting it all.” SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@abqjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.