Program Description
By Building the Natwanhoyum Tunatya Greenhouse/Seed Bank we hope to accomplish a transition into creating more variety in our protein and greens and vegetable intake. The advantage of the Aquaponic scenario presented by scientist Dave Pennington will allow us to breed fish for consumption and also greens and vegetables to grow year round, in which we can continue to teach the youth and adults how to cultivate and produce these foods for themselves. We wish to create farm to plate ideas in people’s minds, and once again return to the natural ways we were given by the creator to survive, thereby eliminating dependency on genetically modified produce and foods filled with preservatives and additives that are the main source of our health problems.
We wish to engage in this new movement for Health and Nutrition, Environmental self-sustaining methods, and modern technology that allows us to be self-sufficient. The idea for the underground seed bank will enable HOPI to once again cultivate and store, as our original directive by Creator was given when the Hopi people were given this land to care for, thousands of years ago.
In a community setting we wish to encourage learning and empowerment to produce small replicas for individuals that wish to continue farming and producing their own foods, and in this manner, help restore the Hopi Way of Life.
Fund Use and Needs...
PLANTING AND SEEDS MATERIALS LIST
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
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Non-GMO seeds, clippings, sprouts, and plants including, but not limited to:
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Tomatoes (heirloom, roma, etc.)
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Radishes, Carrots, Potatoes, Beets
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Onions (and chives)
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Chiles like serrano, jalapeno, etc.
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Greens, Micro Greens and Sprouts
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Kale, Broccoli, and Cauliflower
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Peas, green beans and pea pods
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Strawberries
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Watermelons/Melons
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Squash (varieties)
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Cucumbers
HERBS AND ROOTS
Cooking, Healing, and Curative cuts, sprouts or seeds/bulbs including, but not limited to:
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Cilantro, Basil, Marjoram, Bay Leaf
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Rosemary, Oregano, Parsley
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Aloe, and Ginger
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Calamine and Chamomile
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Cactus Plants (with or without fruit)
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Sage and Sweet grass
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Variety of Mints
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Thyme, Caraway
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Allspice and Nutmeg
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Vanilla Beans
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Lavender, Gardenia, Jasmine
TREES AND CUTTINGS
Any kind (fruit or non-bearing fruit), including, but not limited to:
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Avocado
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Apples, Peaches and Pears
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Oranges and Lemons/limes
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Cherries/Blueberries
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Figs and Pomegranate
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Dates
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Pines
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Shade Trees
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Shade Bushes (like Big Sacatone)
GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES
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Solar Panels
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Glass Panes
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Tarps and Canvases
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Structural Building Materials
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Digging Supplies and Tools
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Flower/Garden Beds and Supplies
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Racks and mounts/shelves
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Hanging hooks/pots
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Clothing/Hat Rack or Display
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Temperature control gauges and supplies
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Irrigation and watering system and tools
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Timer and solar lighting
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Storage Shed/Cabinet for Materials
We will secure materials for learning and for operation of the program as a whole (i.e: handouts, work clothing, materials for aquaponics system, etc.)
Our Future Goals...
PROGRAM RELEVANCY:
It is our GOAL to have the Aquaponic technology integrated into our seed bank/greenhouse that will be built with specifications from our engineer to be built halfway into the ground and halfway outside, in order to survive the high-speed winds that we encounter in our region on Hopi Land. Since we will be digging to build into the ground, we will take advantage of this and dig a “seed bank” underground that will be temperature controlled through various methods that are self-sustained.
A lab will be set-up for teaching and practice farming methods according to HOPI traditional ways. It is important to teach nutritional values as a result of the Aquaponic Technology, not only to children but also adults. The program is open to any and all Hopi Native Americans that wish to participate, regardless of age or gender. We have in this way secured instructors in our elders as volunteers and parents that will learn along with their children as well.
The Aquaponic Greenhouse will house fish and greens that we will be able to produce year round. Water from the system will be recycled and used for the “earth” planting as well. All participants will be placed on a schedule of rotation for care of the fields and greenhouses and all families will benefit from taking home that which they have helped to bring up out of the ground or the water.
This program has been self-sustained for 10 years in the form of volunteers and community donations from participants themselves and a numerous amount of elders, scientists, and educators that have been willing to provide their time as well in order to make this happen on a volunteer basis.
The words Natwanhoyum Tunatya in the Hopi Language means The Divine Plan for Young Planting Farmers.
Contact:
Project Director
Krys@StarlightProjects.org
602.644.1565 Office