SePPCon 2024: Cultural Species and Indigenous Knowledge
SePPCon 2024: Cultural Species and Indigenous Knowledge
How to Train Rivercane: Restoration of Relationships with a Cultural Keystone Species
Alyssa Quan* (1), Caleb Hickman (2)
(1) University of Georgia, (2) Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea) is a bamboo plant native to the Southeastern United States that has played a major role in sustaining cultural practices and ecological systems for many Indigenous communities since time immemorial. Though once prolific throughout the Southeast, approximately only 2% of rivercane’s historical coverage remains today. Not only are rivercane ecosystems threatened, but key Southeast Indigenous cultural traditions linked to rivercane have become increasingly challenging to pass on in the face of severely limited access to rivercane sources and dwindling numbers of aging basket makers who rely on rivercane for their art. Current efforts to restore riparian ecosystems have led to growing interest in the reestablishment of canebrakes, as well as increasing collaboration between tribes in the Southeast and federal and non-governmental conservationists. Coproduction in rivercane research is necessary to account for the long history of Indigenous cultural practices that have developed alongside rivercane ecosystems. In this coproduced project, we are studying a canebrake in Yancey County, North Carolina to investigate the effects of traditional artisanal harvesting and various environmental parameters on rivercane growth. The conclusions and relationships formed from this study will help inform riparian restoration efforts by strengthening rivercane science with cultural knowledge in ways that contribute to mutually beneficial collaborations between Indigenous peoples and broader conservation researchers in the Southeast. Continuous reflexivity and transparency are necessary to support strong partnerships amongst contributors of differing backgrounds. Addressing underlying differential biases and privileges can create a pathway for shared ownership and implementation of solutions for conservation goals.
An American Native Tea: Uncovering the past and preserving the future of yaupon holly using genetics and living collections
Ben Long*, Jeffery Bennetzen, Jim Leebens-Mack, University of Georgia – Athens, GA
Video start time: 14:55
Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is a shrub to small tree native to the coasts of the southeastern US whose leaves have been used by Indigenous peoples for hundreds of years to brew a caffeine-containing infusion similar to tea. Despite this cultural significance and a growing industry of commercial yaupon producers in the Southeast, still very little is known about (1) the genetic diversity contained within the extensive wild populations of the species, (2) how genetic variation between different yaupon varieties might affect the downstream quality of yaupon infusions produced, or (3) the evolutionary origins of yaupon holly in the southeastern US. To address these gaps and preserve the genetic diversity of this culturally important plant, we are constructing a living diversity panel comprised of greater than 300 live, wild yaupon holly plants self-collected from across the Southeast – each paired with enotyping-by-sequencing data. Using this genetic data, we aim to answer foundational questions about the evolutionary history of yaupon holly and probe the genome for evidence of recent adaptation in secondary metabolic processes. We also present preliminary data on the secondary metabolic composition of yaupon holly generated using LC-MS, both in green leaves and those processed for tea. Upon completion of these objectives, we hope to shed light on the evolutionary forces that shaped yaupon holly populations in the Southeast, as well as lay a foundation for future research in this organism.
Eco-cultural Revival: Restoring Relationship to Rivercane
Aaron W Baumgardner*, Catawba Indian Nation
Video start time: 29:27
This presentation highlights the Catawba Indian Nation’s efforts to restore rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea) and the deep cultural ties to this vital plant. Once abundant in the southeastern United States, rivercane is not only an ecologically significant species but also central to Catawba traditions, particularly in basketry. As populations declined due to land use changes, so too did access to this key material, disrupting the craft and cultural connection it represents. Focusing on the revival of traditional basketry, I will share how Catawba artists are relearning techniques and re-establishing relationships with rivercane. I will also discuss current restoration initiatives, including reintroducing rivercane to Tribal lands and forming partnerships to protect remaining populations. Through these efforts, the Catawba Nation is not only restoring a critical plant but also reviving a cultural practice that strengthens our connection to the land.
Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into Conservation and Restoration: An Overview of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute’s Tribal Program
Corlee Thomas-Hill*, Gabrielle Patterson*, Katie Smith-Easter*, Theo Witsell, Layla Dunlap, Dwayne Estes
Southeastern Grasslands Initiative, Austin Peay State University
Video start time: 43:42
The Southeastern Grasslands Institute (SGI), a program of Austin Peay State University, has recently expanded its tribal program through funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Working Lands for Wildlife Program. SGI’s tribal program comprises three tribal liaisons in various locations throughout the Southeastern United States. The liaisons are responsible for all facets of the tribal program, which embraces SGI’s tribal program strategic plan. The strategic plan’s components grant the liaisons the foundation for the enormous endeavor to both incorporate Indigenous ecological knowledge into SGI’s conservation and restoration projects and ensure that tribal priorities are considered in all aspects of SGI’s work. Although such a task is immense, the first and foremost step is to lead outreach efforts to connect with tribes across SGI’s focal region. These outreach efforts pave the way for listening sessions that allow the tribal liaisons to understand tribal priorities related to conservation and restoration. Through partnerships and collaboration with Southeastern tribes, SGI can facilitate tribal access to culturally significant plants and animals in addition to providing guidance to tribes applying for Farm Bill programs by offering technical and financial assistance. Furthermore, these partnerships and collaborations are critical in including Indigenous knowledge and priorities in SGI’s and NRCS’s conservation and planning projects. Lastly, the tribal liaisons will eventually oversee 6-12 tribal interns. Through SGI’s restoration projects, these interns will receive mentorship and leadership development that will enhance their overall understanding of conservation, thus resulting in personal and professional development.