SCHEDULE

Thursday, January 18, noon-12:50pm: Creating Context: Navigating Diversity in the Innovation Era, Unraveling Economic Roots & Overcoming Challenges with Mike Green, Co-founder, Common Ground Conversations on Race in America
 Mike Green steers us through four economic revolutions originating in agriculture, unraveling insights into today’s racially charged economy. Amid a nationwide assault on DEI efforts, it becomes crucial to understand how this affects talent recruitment and retention in a multicultural landscape. The conversation delves into the roots of the issue, beginning with the first industrial revolution fueled by agriculture. Despite challenges, it opens doors to comprehend and address the ongoing assault on DEI initiatives. In a tech-centric Innovation Economy reliant on diverse talents, this discussion is pivotal. Join us to explore a positive pathway forward, bridging the gap between historical context and the evolving diversity landscape. Watch the recording!
Support Common Ground Conversations.

Thursday, January 25, noon-12:50pm: Gentrification of Traditional Foods with Buck Jones, Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission
This talk delves into the critical issue of Gentrification of Indigenous Foods, emphasizing the profound cultural, religious, and creation-related significance of traditional or first foods. Focusing on the global warming and hydroelectric dams affecting the world of Salmon, alongside challenges faced by other foods like huckleberry, a wild delicacy, the discussion sheds light on the increasing difficulty for tribes to access these vital resources. By exploring the Indigenous perspective, the talk aims to raise awareness about the threats posed to traditional first foods and medicines, encouraging a deeper understanding of the multifaceted impacts of gentrification on Indigenous communities. Watch the recording!
Donate to Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

Thursday, February 1, noon-12:50pm: Moving Forward in Food with Equity & Innovation: Today in the BIPOC Food Systems in Oregon with Eddie Hill, Co-Director, Food Loop NW
With an innovative approach to community building and human infrastructure investment, Eddie Hill has worked for over a decade in Oregon with local food systems leadership, community organizations, and a growing network of regional producers, makers, and managers to tactically develop both inside and outside the box approaches to transforming our local/regional food into a more justice- and equity-based innovation zone. Watch the recording!
Donate to Eddie Hill via Venmo at @Eddie-Hill-12.

Thursday, February 8, noon-12:50pm: Roots of Learning: Cultivating Cultural Humility and Food Sovereignty in Schools with Reeba Daniel, Founder, Keep Growing Seeds & Washington County Farm to School Education Hub
Learn about the unique challenges and triumphs of BIPOC farmers in their quest for land and recognition, and why their involvement is crucial in cultivating a generation of culturally humble and environmentally conscious students. This insightful presentation will highlight the importance of direct farm-to-school partnerships and reveal how these initiatives can be a powerful tool in educating young minds on diverse cultures, sustainable farming practices, and food sovereignty. Join us for an enlightening experience that promises to reshape your understanding of agriculture’s role in education and community building. Watch the recording! And view the chat.
Donate to Keep Growing Dreams.

Thursday, February 15 (re)location and (re)connection with first foods with Indigenous Gardens Network
The CTSI and CTGR communities have experienced traumatic removal from their homelands in southern Oregon. The IGN is helping to heal that trauma to our people and the land. A cornerstone of this work focuses on our first foods which sustain our life as well as teach us about our responsibilities to place and community. We are happy to share about the work we are doing in southern Oregon and our communities back home to return, restore, remember, and revitalize our relationships. Watch the recording! View the chat.
Donate to Indigenous Gardens Network via Vesper Meadows (earmark your funds by putting “IGN” in the comments section).