Historians readily admit that there were many new foods that the colonists adopted from Native Americans. Many people seem to attach a sort of romanticism to this process, as though the Natives didn't realize how good they had it. Those with true understanding of history, and European society at the time, realize that it was the Europeans who were in awe of the potential bounty the “New World” offered compared to the limited, overworked farmlands and pastures of their homelands. Here are just a few of the foods which were unknown to the Europeans prior to coming to the Americas. The ones I've listed have had the most impact on foods in the rest of the world.
Maize (corn)
Potato
Tomato
Manioc (Cassava))
Peanuts, cashews, other nuts
Chili Peppers
Chocolate
Vanilla
Sweet potato
Pineapple
Avocado
Strawberry
Of course, there were numerous fish and wildlife unique to the Americas as well. It should be noted that uniquely American crops now constitute roughly 70% of the crops which feed the entire world today. The impact of some of these crops is obvious, while others are less well-known.
Chili peppers? They are mentioned because they changed the cuisine of several societies in a major way. They also brought about a shift in economy. For centuries, black pepper from Asia had been the spice of choice for Europeans wealthy enough to afford it. Chili peppers from Central and South America were more abundant, varied and could be grown in the climate around the Mediterranean, allowing for less privileged people to literally spice up their diet.
Manioc sees little use in the U.S. (other than in tapioca pudding) but it is actually one of the “Third World's” most important food crops, because it can thrive in nutrient poor soils while producing a great deal of calories. It's proven especially important in many parts of Africa.
Medicines
Plants originally unique to the Americas also provide a wealth of medicinal uses.
Pineapple is more than just a tasty fruit. It has a multitude of medicinal uses including aiding in digestion, reducing inflammation and preventing/breaking down blood clots. Enzymes derived from pineapples have many applications, and research continues on how these enzymes can be used to treat heart attacks, burned tissue, abscesses and ulcers.
Bark from the Cinchona tree proved especially effective in treating malaria.
While many in the U.S. associate the coca plant with illegal drugs such as cocaine, its history proves it to be quite beneficial. Originally cocaine proved to be a highly effective local anesthetic. Today, coca has given us the chemical blueprint for a number of man-made anesthetics.
Toxin from the “poison dart frog” has been invaluable in medical research and as a component in anesthesia due to its muscle relaxant properties. It is also used in drugs for treating some forms of paralysis, epilepsy and other spasmodic conditions.
The Jaborandi tree of Brazil produces, Pilocarpine, a primary treatment for glaucoma. Pilocarpine has also been incorporated into the treatment of diseases such as pleurisy and rheumatism. It's also the main component of the drug Salegen, used to treat xerostoma or “dry mouth disease”.
Tobacco is of course vilified by many for the health issues directly tied to cigarette, cigar and pipe smoking. However, historically there have been a great many medicinal uses for tobacco, ranging from use as a disinfectant to toothpaste. Researchers have found that smokers can have a lower reaction to bee stings, due to the level of nicotine in their bodies, and so research into that substance as a treatment of anaphylaxis (allergic reactions) is ongoing. Research is also finding that nicotine, derived from tobacco, may have value in treating various neurological disorders ranging from schizophrenia to Alzheimer's disease.
More than the foods themselves, the Europeans encountered some unique ways of raising and preparing foods.
Many Northeastern tribes raised corn, beans and squash together, planting all three in a small mound. The corn provided support for the beanstalk. The beans returned nitrogen to the soil. The broad leaves of the squash helped keep moisture in the soil. Each of the “Three Sisters” provided benefits to the other two. With this system, there was no need for rotating crops to avoid depleting the soil. Admittedly, it doesn't lend itself to the mass harvesting methods required by modern agriculture. But it worked quite well for the society in which it was developed.
Barbecue is considered an American tradition. However, it was not described as such among the Europeans prior to Columbus being served dried meats by the Taino people who rescued him when he ran aground off their island. The word comes from the Caribe word barbacoa, which the Taino used to describe the process of drying seasoned meat over hot coals. While the process of smoking meat was not unknown to the Europeans, apparently the Caribe word became associated with the process to quickly become the standard term in Europe for spitting and cooking a whole animal over an open fire.
Fry bread came about, apparently, as a result of the BIA's attempt to starve Indians. Frequently during incarcerations called "reservation living", families were provided with a pot, flour, lard and not much else. The Indians of course figured out how to put such limited ingredients to good use.
On the Horizon
Quinoa, a staple among Andean Indians, is generating some excitement among crop researchers. It thrives at high altitude, in extreme cold and high winds. It contains high levels of all the essential amino acids, making it a more balanced food than wheat, rice, corn, sorghum or millet. Eventually Quinoa may provide one solution to the growing demand for food in a world where arable land is diminishing.
It's already established that “beefalo” a hybrid of the buffalo and domesticated cattle, offers many advantages over standard breeds. Not only do these hybrids require less feed and supplements to raise, but the meat is generally more healthful. Research continues.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Orca and Bear
It was a late autumn day, when the cold wind was bringing snow flurries down from the north, and the last of the winged ones, who didn't stay the winter, had at flown to warmer lands. Bear was walking along the shore, making his way toward the cave where he would sleep through winter. He was fat from eating much salmon, and late season berries, and was quite content. He was in an exceptionally good mood and was humming a song to himself.
As he walked by a cove, he heard weeping coming from the waters. He stopped and looked out into the cove, and saw the fin of Orca slowing going in circles. Bear realized it was Orca who was weeping. Bear felt compassion for Orca, and called out to her.
"Aho Orca, I hear your sad song! Why are you weeping?"
Orca stopped circling, and swam as close to the shore as she dared to without getting stuck. She looked at Bear with sad eyes. Finally she heaved a slow, heavy sigh and spoke.
"I weep because my pod is gone. Men we had never seen before came to these waters and captured or drove off all the fish. Normally we would have had plenty of fish to give us strength on our travels to new waters. But some of us grew weak from hunger and could not make the journy with the others. I am one who stayed behind. My brothers and sisters who stayed behind were weaker,and have all perished. Now I am alone, and there is nothing for me but to sing my death song and await the end."
Bear was quite moved to hear Orca's sad tale. He thought and thought of what he could do to help her. Finally, he had an idea.
"Comfort yourself my sister. I have an idea. I am on my way to my cave to sleep through the winter. I think it is large enough for both of us. We will lie close together, and be even warmer throughout the cold days and nights. Then, when spring comes you can return to the waters along with the fish that will be back by then."
Orca looked at Bear, her sad eyes now clouded with disbelief. She was touched that Bear wanted to help, but how could he be so blind as to how his suggestion could never work.
She started to speak, "But, but...how.."
Bear interrupted her, "Now now no need to thank me. It's my pleasure to help you. Come along now, we must be off so we can get settled in before the first snow." With that Bear turned and continued on his way toward his cave. He began humming even louder, even more content that he was being so helpful.
He didn't even look back to see Orca bow her head, her eyes even more filled with sadness, as she turned and swam back out into the ocean. Bear didn't even hear her renewed weeping, because the sound of it was lost to him in the wind and the noise of his own song.
As he walked by a cove, he heard weeping coming from the waters. He stopped and looked out into the cove, and saw the fin of Orca slowing going in circles. Bear realized it was Orca who was weeping. Bear felt compassion for Orca, and called out to her.
"Aho Orca, I hear your sad song! Why are you weeping?"
Orca stopped circling, and swam as close to the shore as she dared to without getting stuck. She looked at Bear with sad eyes. Finally she heaved a slow, heavy sigh and spoke.
"I weep because my pod is gone. Men we had never seen before came to these waters and captured or drove off all the fish. Normally we would have had plenty of fish to give us strength on our travels to new waters. But some of us grew weak from hunger and could not make the journy with the others. I am one who stayed behind. My brothers and sisters who stayed behind were weaker,and have all perished. Now I am alone, and there is nothing for me but to sing my death song and await the end."
Bear was quite moved to hear Orca's sad tale. He thought and thought of what he could do to help her. Finally, he had an idea.
"Comfort yourself my sister. I have an idea. I am on my way to my cave to sleep through the winter. I think it is large enough for both of us. We will lie close together, and be even warmer throughout the cold days and nights. Then, when spring comes you can return to the waters along with the fish that will be back by then."
Orca looked at Bear, her sad eyes now clouded with disbelief. She was touched that Bear wanted to help, but how could he be so blind as to how his suggestion could never work.
She started to speak, "But, but...how.."
Bear interrupted her, "Now now no need to thank me. It's my pleasure to help you. Come along now, we must be off so we can get settled in before the first snow." With that Bear turned and continued on his way toward his cave. He began humming even louder, even more content that he was being so helpful.
He didn't even look back to see Orca bow her head, her eyes even more filled with sadness, as she turned and swam back out into the ocean. Bear didn't even hear her renewed weeping, because the sound of it was lost to him in the wind and the noise of his own song.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Incompatibility
For many years, I have been involved in what has at times been known as "Native Contextual Ministry". The gist of that involves efforts in two main areas of focus. First, to present the Gospel to Natives within Native culture, using not only traditions, but the Native world view to incarnate Christ within the culture.
Second is to educate majority Christians in Native traditions in a way that shows them that our traditions are not incompatible with Christian orthodoxy. Scriptural parallels for Native traditional practices, along with reconciling theological and ideological concepts is key to this aspect of Contextual Ministry.
Dang, don't I sound like some sort of expert!
So what?
I was an ordained Episcopal Deacon in the Salmon House Diocese of the CCI. I recently resigned my ordination because my personal life choice was viewed as incompatible with my title. I actually agreed that was the case. For a time I was proud of that title, however.
Now I ask myself, what was I thinking?
Titles like Reverend, Bishop or Deacon have no place in Native spiritual tradition. They fit upon our ways like Saul's armor fit upon David. We cannot run in it. We cannot fight in it. It is clumsy and meant for something other than what we do.
Yet there are those who believe in maintaining such titles while still attempting to minister to Natives in a contextual way. I was once one of them. I can see that many with this attitude have a sincere desire to serve, but sincerity isn't enough to overcome the complications of putting Saul's armor on David.
Now, I will allow there is a place for such things. Some people actually need such structures to feel they are honoring God. However, such structures should be adopted voluntarily. They should be kept in the context of accountability rather than authority. Leadership should be by consensus, not constraint.
As soon as someone with a title in front of his or her name starts saying "I am in charge. Do what I say or else" then it is no longer a Native spiritual practice. In fact such an attitude is incompatible with true faith in Christ.
Part of the reason some insist on imposing non-Native structures, lifted from Euro-American traditions, on Native ways is fear. Fear that our ways as they stand, aren't enough. People might err when it comes to theology and doctrine. They are supposedly sheep who need shepherd. While such thinking has Scriptural support, using titles and and ecclesiastical structure that has roots in European feudalism is a dangerous way to proceed.
As feudal nobles used to do, people with titles can convince themselves and each other they are doing God's will, while the people they are supposed to look after are suffering. They viewed people as serving their demands rather than the nobles bearing responsibility for those under their charge.
This attitude is far too prevalent in the majority church. We see this in how easily titles bring with them wealth and power. Serving God can be very profitable for some. Titles stroke egos. However, with such titles come tremendous responsibility to remain humble and sadly far fewer people maintain that humility than they realize.
I cannot tell another man how to follow Creator. Each answers to his own Master. I can, and will, defend myself and my relations against those who think their titles give them the right to abuse whatever authority they think they have. I'm Mohawk: we have a habit of putting up roadblocks when someone threatens our people. LOL
As for me, if someone wants to give me any title besides my name, I am going to run the other way.
Thanks for listening,
Raianerastha
Second is to educate majority Christians in Native traditions in a way that shows them that our traditions are not incompatible with Christian orthodoxy. Scriptural parallels for Native traditional practices, along with reconciling theological and ideological concepts is key to this aspect of Contextual Ministry.
Dang, don't I sound like some sort of expert!
So what?
I was an ordained Episcopal Deacon in the Salmon House Diocese of the CCI. I recently resigned my ordination because my personal life choice was viewed as incompatible with my title. I actually agreed that was the case. For a time I was proud of that title, however.
Now I ask myself, what was I thinking?
Titles like Reverend, Bishop or Deacon have no place in Native spiritual tradition. They fit upon our ways like Saul's armor fit upon David. We cannot run in it. We cannot fight in it. It is clumsy and meant for something other than what we do.
Yet there are those who believe in maintaining such titles while still attempting to minister to Natives in a contextual way. I was once one of them. I can see that many with this attitude have a sincere desire to serve, but sincerity isn't enough to overcome the complications of putting Saul's armor on David.
Now, I will allow there is a place for such things. Some people actually need such structures to feel they are honoring God. However, such structures should be adopted voluntarily. They should be kept in the context of accountability rather than authority. Leadership should be by consensus, not constraint.
As soon as someone with a title in front of his or her name starts saying "I am in charge. Do what I say or else" then it is no longer a Native spiritual practice. In fact such an attitude is incompatible with true faith in Christ.
Part of the reason some insist on imposing non-Native structures, lifted from Euro-American traditions, on Native ways is fear. Fear that our ways as they stand, aren't enough. People might err when it comes to theology and doctrine. They are supposedly sheep who need shepherd. While such thinking has Scriptural support, using titles and and ecclesiastical structure that has roots in European feudalism is a dangerous way to proceed.
As feudal nobles used to do, people with titles can convince themselves and each other they are doing God's will, while the people they are supposed to look after are suffering. They viewed people as serving their demands rather than the nobles bearing responsibility for those under their charge.
This attitude is far too prevalent in the majority church. We see this in how easily titles bring with them wealth and power. Serving God can be very profitable for some. Titles stroke egos. However, with such titles come tremendous responsibility to remain humble and sadly far fewer people maintain that humility than they realize.
I cannot tell another man how to follow Creator. Each answers to his own Master. I can, and will, defend myself and my relations against those who think their titles give them the right to abuse whatever authority they think they have. I'm Mohawk: we have a habit of putting up roadblocks when someone threatens our people. LOL
As for me, if someone wants to give me any title besides my name, I am going to run the other way.
Thanks for listening,
Raianerastha
Breaking Trail
IS THIS THING ON? (thump thump thump....)
2010 is a year of many new beginnings for me. Creator has done a lot. New friendships (and sadly old ones ending) New opportunities. New networks.
For many years I worked more or less behind the scenes moderating an online community in support of Native American spiritual leaders. Focused on that and, my only real vice, World of Warcraft!
Now, understand that being something of a Cyberhermit can have advantages. Saving money on breath mints for instance. Not worrying about bad hair days.
On the other hand it's people that really matter in life and the more people I can consider friends, the richer I am. And perhaps the more people who are true friends with each other, the better place the world becomes.
Now, I'm a story teller at heart so let me tell a story. Mainly because it's what's on my mind at the moment. If it works for you, thank you.
There once lived a man who only knew one thing for sure: he wanted to help people gain understanding. Understanding of themselves. Understanding of Creator. Understanding of creation. Understanding of the path to walk in their lives.
So he thought about how to do this. He prayed to Creator to show him how to help others develop understanding. So fervent was his desire that Creator answered his prayer. He came down Himself and lifted the man up to a high plateau. The man looked around and instantly fell in love with the place. There was already a small longhouse and a solid fire pit. Food was sufficient. He felt right at home and knew contentment he'd not known before.
Creator spoke, in a voice that was at once like a butterfly's whisper and roaring waters, "This is your refuge, the place where the gift I give you will help you gain understanding. Where you can see how that understanding can help others."
So the man looked out and could see what seemed to be the entire world. If he looked closely enough, he could see each person he knew, their lives, past present and even the future. He could see how their lives were woven together like a fine wampum belt, how no one thing that anyone said or did stood alone. It was all tied together. He thanked Creator for such a good gift and promised he would use it to help people.
So he sat and watched for a while, learning what he could, feeling his heart grow tender toward even his enemies as he realized why they were the way they were. It was beause they all felt disconnected, they lacked understanding. They didn't know that they were closer together than they were far apart, and were afraid. That fear made them do things they wouldn't do if they understood.
Delighted with this knowledge, the man came down from the plateau to give people the good news. He came to a village. Entering he greeted the people warmly and said "I have something wonderful to tell you. Will you take a moment to listen?" Yet everyone seemed to say the same thing "Only if you tell us what we want to hear!"
The man wanted to help, so he asked "What do you want to hear?" They gave the same answer: they wanted to hear how to be happy, how to be free from fear, how to live a better life. The man rejoiced at this, because he knew the answer.
"It's simple," he said, " all you need to do is gain understanding. Understanding to see how you are not alone, how everything you do effects others, and how what others do effects you. Listen to Creator and he will help you understand".
"BAH" grunted the people. "We don't want to hear that. We want you to tell us our future. You are a seer, are you not? Tell us what will be so we can be confident in our lives. Tell us how we can make our lives better by knowing what to do."
The man was dismayed, "But, I just did. You don't need to know the future, you just need to know how to live right today."
"Don't tell us what we NEED to hear! Tell us what we WANT to hear." The people grew angry and began gathering stones and switches to drive the man out of their village. He stumbled back, still trying to tell them his message of understanding. He finally fled from the village, bruised and bleeding, and made his way back to the plateau.
As the man approached his simple longhouse, he saw Creator tending the fire. He could smell corn porridge cooking and realized how hungry he was. Creator handed him a bowl as he sat down.
For a long time it was quiet. The man was eating in silence, waiting for Creator to speak. Creator just watched the fire, occasionally glancing up at the man to watch him eat.
Finally the man finished his meal and looked up at Creator, searching for the words to ask his question. Before he could speak, Creator sighed and looked at him, "What happened is what always happens, what must happen. It is the way people are. But that doesn't make the message any less important, just because they don't listen."
The man shook his head, "Why don't they want the real answer?" He looked at Creator hopefully, but He just closed His eyes and bowed His head.
Then the man's shoulders sagged as he felt very tired. " I can't go back. Not only am I bruised and scarred in my body, but my soul aches."
Creator looked at the man with eyes full of love. "This is your home, and you can stay here as long as you need. When you can answer that question for yourself, you will be ready to return to the village."
With that, Creator disappeared, leaving the man to listen to the crackling of the fire and the sound of the insects in the bushes. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked out upon the lives he saw before him, at how simple the answer was if people would just listen.
Then he sighed and went into his longhouse to rest.
2010 is a year of many new beginnings for me. Creator has done a lot. New friendships (and sadly old ones ending) New opportunities. New networks.
For many years I worked more or less behind the scenes moderating an online community in support of Native American spiritual leaders. Focused on that and, my only real vice, World of Warcraft!
Now, understand that being something of a Cyberhermit can have advantages. Saving money on breath mints for instance. Not worrying about bad hair days.
On the other hand it's people that really matter in life and the more people I can consider friends, the richer I am. And perhaps the more people who are true friends with each other, the better place the world becomes.
Now, I'm a story teller at heart so let me tell a story. Mainly because it's what's on my mind at the moment. If it works for you, thank you.
There once lived a man who only knew one thing for sure: he wanted to help people gain understanding. Understanding of themselves. Understanding of Creator. Understanding of creation. Understanding of the path to walk in their lives.
So he thought about how to do this. He prayed to Creator to show him how to help others develop understanding. So fervent was his desire that Creator answered his prayer. He came down Himself and lifted the man up to a high plateau. The man looked around and instantly fell in love with the place. There was already a small longhouse and a solid fire pit. Food was sufficient. He felt right at home and knew contentment he'd not known before.
Creator spoke, in a voice that was at once like a butterfly's whisper and roaring waters, "This is your refuge, the place where the gift I give you will help you gain understanding. Where you can see how that understanding can help others."
So the man looked out and could see what seemed to be the entire world. If he looked closely enough, he could see each person he knew, their lives, past present and even the future. He could see how their lives were woven together like a fine wampum belt, how no one thing that anyone said or did stood alone. It was all tied together. He thanked Creator for such a good gift and promised he would use it to help people.
So he sat and watched for a while, learning what he could, feeling his heart grow tender toward even his enemies as he realized why they were the way they were. It was beause they all felt disconnected, they lacked understanding. They didn't know that they were closer together than they were far apart, and were afraid. That fear made them do things they wouldn't do if they understood.
Delighted with this knowledge, the man came down from the plateau to give people the good news. He came to a village. Entering he greeted the people warmly and said "I have something wonderful to tell you. Will you take a moment to listen?" Yet everyone seemed to say the same thing "Only if you tell us what we want to hear!"
The man wanted to help, so he asked "What do you want to hear?" They gave the same answer: they wanted to hear how to be happy, how to be free from fear, how to live a better life. The man rejoiced at this, because he knew the answer.
"It's simple," he said, " all you need to do is gain understanding. Understanding to see how you are not alone, how everything you do effects others, and how what others do effects you. Listen to Creator and he will help you understand".
"BAH" grunted the people. "We don't want to hear that. We want you to tell us our future. You are a seer, are you not? Tell us what will be so we can be confident in our lives. Tell us how we can make our lives better by knowing what to do."
The man was dismayed, "But, I just did. You don't need to know the future, you just need to know how to live right today."
"Don't tell us what we NEED to hear! Tell us what we WANT to hear." The people grew angry and began gathering stones and switches to drive the man out of their village. He stumbled back, still trying to tell them his message of understanding. He finally fled from the village, bruised and bleeding, and made his way back to the plateau.
As the man approached his simple longhouse, he saw Creator tending the fire. He could smell corn porridge cooking and realized how hungry he was. Creator handed him a bowl as he sat down.
For a long time it was quiet. The man was eating in silence, waiting for Creator to speak. Creator just watched the fire, occasionally glancing up at the man to watch him eat.
Finally the man finished his meal and looked up at Creator, searching for the words to ask his question. Before he could speak, Creator sighed and looked at him, "What happened is what always happens, what must happen. It is the way people are. But that doesn't make the message any less important, just because they don't listen."
The man shook his head, "Why don't they want the real answer?" He looked at Creator hopefully, but He just closed His eyes and bowed His head.
Then the man's shoulders sagged as he felt very tired. " I can't go back. Not only am I bruised and scarred in my body, but my soul aches."
Creator looked at the man with eyes full of love. "This is your home, and you can stay here as long as you need. When you can answer that question for yourself, you will be ready to return to the village."
With that, Creator disappeared, leaving the man to listen to the crackling of the fire and the sound of the insects in the bushes. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked out upon the lives he saw before him, at how simple the answer was if people would just listen.
Then he sighed and went into his longhouse to rest.
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