Spotlight: Dream of Wild Health

For Dream of Wild Health, seeds are a direct link to American Indian history, culture and a healthy future. But these aren't just any seeds. The 300-plus varieties of rare heirloom seeds have been donated by Native families and tribes across the country, including Cherokee corn seeds that were carried on the Trail of Tears. DWH's work "is a means to cultural recovery," says Diane Wilson, DWH executive director.

Today, those seeds are at the core of DWH's youth gardening, market and nutrition programs. In summer, Garden Warriors, teens ages 13 to 18, work on DWH's 10-acre organic farm in Hugo and sell produce at Twin Cities farmers markets for a stipend. Mornings begin with a prayer circle; participants help organize the work and cook all meals. No electronic gizmos (cell phones, iPods, etc.) are allowed. "More than the practical skills of growing and preparing food, the participants come to honor our reciprocal relationship to the earth and our responsibility to care for it," Wilson says. Younger children, ages 8 to 12, join the weeklong Cora's Kids program, named for Cora Baker, the Potawatomi elder whose donation of heirloom seeds helped grow DWH's seed-saving program in 2000.

DWH's work doesn't end with the harvest. Programs continue through the year with healthy cooking classes for families, and youth leaders meet three times a month during the school year to address food justice issues, diabetes prevention and healthy choices. DWH also works closely with community partners, including the University of Minnesota, public schools and Little Earth of United Tribes, to promote health in the Native community by expanding knowledge of and access to healthy indigenous foods and medicines.

The farm in Hugo welcomes visitors for a day of gardening, learning about Native culture, lunch (featuring the farm's produce) and conversation with elder Ernie Whiteman.

Buy DWH produce on Tuesdays at Midtown Farmers Market at 22nd Avenue and Lake Street in Minneapolis.