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Cherokee Nation Preserves Cultural Heritage Through Seed Deposit
The Cherokee Nation has recently made history by becoming the first Native American tribe in the U.S. to deposit traditional heirloom crop seeds in the Global Seed Vault located in Svalbard, Norway. This initiative involves the storage of nine significant heirloom food crops, including the tribe's cherished Cherokee White Eagle Corn, in a facility designed to safeguard seeds for future generations.
Section 1.1 The Global Seed Vault: A Lifeline for Crops
The Global Seed Vault, a long-term seed storage facility, lies deep within a frozen mountain in Norway, over 800 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It serves as a safeguard against potential global emergencies, such as nuclear disasters or pandemics, that could threaten food security. Often dubbed the 'Doomsday Seed Bank,' its purpose is to ensure that vital seeds remain available for future cultivation.
On February 25, a significant event will take place as the Seed Vault receives its largest seed deposit since its inception. This date marks the 12th anniversary of the facility and coincides with recent upgrades that enhance its security against climate change. These improvements ensure the ongoing protection of the seeds housed within.
Section 1.2 Cherokee Nation's Heirloom Seeds
In an interview with National Public Radio in 2019, Pat Gwin, the Cherokee Nation's senior director of environmental resources, discussed the tribe's heirloom seed bank initiative, which started in 2006. Following this, Luigi Guarino, director of the Global Crop Diversity Trust, expressed interest in including the Cherokee seeds in the Global Seed Vault.
"The invitation to deposit our seeds is a tremendous honor for the tribe," Gwin remarked. "Knowing that our seeds will be preserved and accessible solely to us is incredibly valuable."
The Cherokee Nation gathered nine varieties of their heirloom seeds to send to Svalbard, including the sacred Cherokee White Eagle Corn, known for its striking blue and white kernels and a red cob resembling a white eagle.
Subsection 1.2.1 Cultural Significance of Heirloom Seeds
The seeds sent to the Global Seed Vault also include Cherokee Long Greasy Beans, Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans, and Cherokee Candy Roaster Squash, all of which connect the Cherokee people to their heritage and ancestors. "As Cherokees, our belief is that our cultural identity is tied to our plants," Gwin explained. "The preservation of these seeds ensures the continuity of our culture."
Section 1.3 The Importance of Community Connection
With approximately 300,000 Cherokee citizens, many of whom live far from tribal headquarters, these heirloom seeds serve as a vital link to their cultural roots. The Cherokee Nation Seed Bank has been distributing seeds annually since 2020, aiming to keep traditional agricultural practices alive.
"It's essential that we continue distributing these seeds," said Feather Smith, a cultural biologist with the Cherokee Nation. "These plants embody centuries of our history and traditions, allowing us to educate younger generations about our culture."
Chapter 2 The Global Seed Vault: A Global Resource
The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, established in 2008, was envisioned by American agriculturist Cary Fowler and a group of plant geneticists who recognized the urgent need to conserve crop biodiversity. It is designed to provide a fail-safe backup for global seed banks vulnerable to various threats, ensuring that seeds remain viable for centuries.
To maintain seed viability, the facility operates at freezing temperatures and low humidity, significantly slowing down seed metabolism. Currently, the Vault houses seeds from over 980,000 varieties, supporting global food security efforts.
The Norwegian government funded the Seed Vault, which operates under a tripartite agreement involving the Norwegian government, Nordic Genetic Resource Center, and the Global Crop Diversity Trust. Notably, the Cherokee Nation is the second indigenous group to deposit seeds in the Vault, following the Indigenous Andean communities.
In summary, the Cherokee Nation's commitment to preserving its heirloom seeds represents a significant cultural milestone, ensuring that these vital connections to their heritage endure for generations to come.