In this EcoJustice Radio episode, we delve into the rich heritage and wisdom of Native Navajo Wisdom with James Skeet, Executive Director of Covenant Pathways and Spirit Farm. Host Carry Kim guides us to explore Indigenous Regenerative Intelligence, biocosmology, and the importance of reconnecting with the land. James Skeet shares his journey of reviving soil health and sustainable farming practices on his ancestral lands in New Mexico. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion on the intersection of environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. Banner photo credit: Sue Hudelson.
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Native Navajo Wisdom: Reconnecting to the Land
In a world increasingly disconnected from the land, the wisdom of Indigenous peoples offers a beacon of hope and a roadmap for sustainable living. We had the honor of speaking with James Skeet, Executive Director of Covenant Pathways and Spirit Farm, about the transformative power of Indigenous Regenerative Intelligence.
James Skeet, a full-blooded Navajo from Vanderwagen, New Mexico, has dedicated his life to reviving the ancient farming practices of his ancestors. Alongside his wife Joyce, James operates Spirit Farm, a demonstration farm that integrates traditional Navajo biocosmology with modern sustainable farming techniques to create a thriving ecosystem where soil health, nutrient-rich foods, and human well-being coexist in harmony.
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Along with our host Carry Kim and a group of fifteen people from the Soil Sponge Collective in Los Angeles, we visited Spirit Farm near Gallup, New Mexico in May of 2024. It was an amazing education in the Navajo-Diné World where we connected with the land, our hosts, and each other through the guidance of James and his wife Joyce.
Water as a Sacred Entity
Water as a Sacred EntityOne of the key insights James shared is the importance of viewing water as a sacred entity rather than a commodity. This perspective shift is crucial in a time when climate change and soil degradation threaten our agricultural systems. By treating water with respect and employing techniques like heavy mulching and drip irrigation, Spirit Farm has been able to rejuvenate compacted, arid soils and create a fertile environment for crops.
We delved into the impact of Covid-19 on Indigenous communities. James recounted his personal battle with the virus, which claimed the lives of several of his family members. His experience underscored the vulnerability of Indigenous populations to pandemics and the need for resilient, self-sustaining communities. It also reinforced James’s commitment to his work, as he realized the urgency of passing on his knowledge to future generations.
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Rites of Passage
Rites of PassageAnother profound topic we explored was the concept of rites of passage and initiation, particularly for men. James explained that traditional rites of passage are essential for personal and communal development, yet they have been largely lost in modern society. He emphasized the need for these practices to be revived, not just among indigenous peoples but also for settlers who have become disconnected from their ancestral heritage.
We also discussed the commoditization of food and its detrimental effects on community and health. James pointed out that the industrial food system has stripped food of its nutrients and reduced it to a mere commodity, leading to widespread health issues like diabetes and hypertension. By contrast, indigenous farming practices focus on nutrient-dense, locally sourced foods that sustain both the body and the community.
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A Return to Regenerative Farming
As we wrapped up the episode, James offered words of encouragement for those considering a return to ancestral or regenerative ways of farming. He acknowledged the hard work involved but highlighted the profound rewards of living in harmony with the land. For James and Joyce, Spirit Farm is not just a place of work but a sanctuary of healing and transformation.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable agriculture, Indigenous wisdom, and the deep connections between land, culture, and community. Tune in to learn more about how the ancient practices of the Navajo people can guide us towards a more sustainable and harmonious future.
LINKS
Video Featuring James Skeet from New Mexico Community Capital
https://youtu.be/ZrhK1-DlOZk?si=wIWlwrZYxHQYWGi7
The Six Sacred Stones of Indigenous Regenerative Intelligence
https://youtu.be/QYqjOYygQdU?si=kWfUobfNscpLt1bs
Interview with James Skeet in 2023: https://soundcloud.com/socal350/indigenous-regenerative-intelligence-a-navajo-perspective
James Skeet and his wife Joyce are the co-founders of Covenant Pathways [https://covenantpathways.org/], a 501c3 non-profit organization, and they operate Spirit Farm. James is passionate about reconnecting all peoples to the land through Indigenous Regenerative Intelligence that integrates the ancient Native wisdom of the bio-cosmology to create a haven where soil health, nutrient rich foods, human health, and free markets can prosper for another 10,000 years. James’ heritage has assisted in grounding him in the work he does as a full-blooded Navajo – also known as Diné – Native American from Vanderwagen, New Mexico.
James’s Diné (Navajo) clan name means “Red Cheek, Born of Leaning Tower.” He is full of energy, life, and wisdom. James worked for NGOs fostering childhood development and then served as a financial watchdog for the tribal government. In all of his systematic work with programs and regulations, he began to seek ways to express his spiritual understanding that “all things are sacred.”
Carry Kim, Co-Host of EcoJustice Radio. An advocate for ecosystem restoration, Indigenous lifeways, and a new humanity born of connection and compassion, she is a long-time volunteer for SoCal350, member of Ecosystem Restoration Camps, and a co-founder of the Soil Sponge Collective, a grassroots community organization dedicated to big and small scale regeneration of Mother Earth.
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Executive Producer and Intro: Jack Eidt
Hosted by Carry Kim
Engineer and Original Music: Blake Quake Beats
Episode 223
Photo credit: Sue Hudelson
Updated 27 October 2024
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