Is There a Way Out?
For indigenous people in the western hemisphere we have been contemplating, mourning and pilgrimaging along in disparity to what’s happened to the environment and the ecology of the earth. From being kin to all things, we are attached and imbedded in the earth, not floating above and controlling natures systems.
SPRINGING INTO THE SYNTROPIC WAY
Syntropic adjectivesyn·trop·ic (ˈ)sin‧, sən‧+: repeated symmetrically without being reversed Syntropic Farming (also Syntropic Agriculture and Syntropic Agroforestry) is a regenerative agriculture approach inspired by natural forest systems, aiming to create diverse and productive ecosystems while mimicking the regenerative processes of nature. Systematized and popularized by Swiss Farmer, Ernst Gotsch, while living in Brazil, this approach
We are now USDA and New Mexico Grown approved!
Spirit Farm has been raising healthy, happy, regenerative animals to provide meat for the local community for the past six years and our mission is to provide healthier, local meat to surrounding communities. We are a proud USDA approved and New Mexico Grown approved supplier with a mission to provide healthier,
Embracing Natures Solutions
Capturing Climate Solutions embedded with Indigenous Practices James and Joyce Skeet Co-Founders “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better” Albert Einstein When we heal our soil the nutrients in our foods return and restore nature’s balance. The answers that come from our ancient teachings look to
Regenerative Reclamation…Walking in a Sacred Manner
We were 8 years old during the latter part of 1960’s, as three Navajo boys in governmental boarding school huddled in the back room known as the “end room.” With a line of Indian boys all waiting to purchase a boloney sandwich we had manufactured from stolen products from the
Indigenous Bio-Cosmology vs. Industrial Food Production
By James Skeet From the inception of Covenant Pathways and Spirit Farm, Joyce and I have long been concerned about the future of our health. As we studied it, especially from policy, medical field, and dietary stances, the more we felt a disconnect between food and food-as-medicine. But it goes
We Think Eating Vegetables Is Healthy
A research project completed at Spirit Farm COMPARING THE QUALITY OF THE SOIL WITH FOODS GROWN ON LAND AMENDED WITH MICROBIAL-RICH COMPOST For two years, from mid July 2019 to mid July 2021, Covenant Pathways conducted a research project that was supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson
Sacrificial Lamb: Nutrient Compromised Foods
Five years ago, we were so excited to start our own flock of sheep. We purchased four, young, pregnant ewes and eagerly awaited the arrival of our first lamb. He was born on a cold, February morning. Watching the mother, we soon realized she did not want anything to do
Flipping Food Insecurity, One Grower at a Time
To begin our discussion, we do not like the phrase“ food insecurity” pegged to a specific group of people. We are all dealing with “food trauma”: food that is neither medicinal nor beneficial to our wellbeing. Food that has been commoditized and subsidized by the federal government has done major
The Perfect Storm on the Navajo Nation
I heard a story when I was young, regarding the epic battle between a bear and a badger: One day a young boy,hunting small game in the thick ponderosa and oak trees, heard the crashing of limbs and the growling of animals nearby. The boy cautiously crept over to investigate.
The Arrow that Was Heard Around the World
“From Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit, there came a great unifying force that flowed in and through all things the flowers of the plains, blowing wind, rocks, trees, birds, animals and was the same force that had been breathed into the first man. Thus all things were kindred, and were
The Soil Life Research of Covenant Pathways
Ed Maibach is the director of the George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communication Located on Navajo Nation, 7,100 feet above sea level, in the hauntingly beautiful New Mexican mesa lands south of Gallup and west of the Continental Divide, is Spirit Farm, a working demonstration farm owned and
Indigenous Farming and Ranching
By James Skeet Since we have started our journey to farm and ranch on our ancient lands, we have been challenged to create a perspective that describes and articulates our relationship to the land. As a result, we have come across some very creative and wonderful ways of life that
Growth and Opportunity
A year of exciting growth, changes, challenges, opportunities and partnerships has stirred individuals and communities. Our farm, Spirit Farm, has seen an increase in newborn pigs and sheep, as well as increase in garden harvest, and in particular abundance – chili, potatoes, cucumbers and broccoli; along with a splendid harvest
Drought, Challenges & Goals
Thank you for your interest and concerns regarding our intention to gain ground of mastering the soil and running a farm that helps people see the importance of raising their own food and animals. The impact of creating a small ecosystem with practical applications has put our hard work at
Migration of a Bad Hunter
In our Indigenous way of life we echo a continuous journey back to ancient wisdom and traditions. It is a spiritual and organic migration back to stories, legends, and traditional activities that we affirm against the dying winds of industrial machinery and so called “modern civilization.” Not all Native People
Thanks for a Great 2017
Our excitement and enthusiasm for opportunities in our community continues to build and grow! For the past three years we have been developing a model farm that heals the soil with the intentional use of microbiology, composting, and organic practices. Our model is used as an example for local Navajo
Gardening Again
One of our goals is to support and train Native families to garden again. Historically, Navajo agriculture understood farming techniques to grow their own food for sustainability in combination with a deep theocracy expressed in their way of life. They harvested enough crops to dry and store for the winter.