Agroforestry and Indigenous Knowledge

While the word “agroforestry” was coined in the 1970s, it describes a body of knowledge that has been cultivated and practiced around the world for thousands of years. Although both indigenous and non-indigenous practitioners have developed agroforestry systems, often the focus is on more recent work, and indigenous contributions are overlooked. Recognition of the deep roots of Traditional Ecological Knowledge is important to understanding the long-term perspective needed to successfully implement agroforestry across landscapes. Some resources for further exploration:

Cornell University is on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ people, who are part of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. Members of this tribal nation have launched a non-profit based in Ithaca called the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ Learning Project, whose aim is to support the revitalization of the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ language and culture.

Haudenosaunee Agroforestry and Forest Relations

US Forest Service Agroforestry Notes: Indigenous Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Agroforestry

The Skarure (Tuscarora) Food Forest Project by Samantha Bosco