Lifeworlds [Full Interview] Unexpected Agricultures – with Lyla June Johnston
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Jul 19, 2022 Lyla June Johnston is an Indigenous public speaker, artist, and scholar focused on food systems revitalization. In this enlightening chat, she delves into the rich history of Indigenous food systems and their cultural significance. Johnston discusses the ecological roles of various species and the necessity of viewing humans as stewards of the Earth. She highlights the importance of reclaiming food sovereignty and the interconnections within ecosystems. With a blend of personal narratives and historical examples, she advocates for sustainable practices that restore our relationship to food and land.
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Grasslands and Fire
- Native peoples used cool burns to create and maintain grasslands, supporting diverse species like buffalo and elk.
- The grasslands were not natural but anthropogenic, shaped by human intervention.
Humans as a Keystone Species
- Humans can act as a keystone species, positively impacting entire ecosystems, unlike the current narrative that demonizes humanity's impact.
- Our presence can modify trophic webs, creating niches for other species and increasing biodiversity.
Heiltsuk Nation and Herring
- The Heiltsuk Nation plants kelp forests and uses hemlock boughs to create herring spawning grounds, feeding various species.
- This contrasts with commercial fishers who extract herring eggs and discard the fish, harming the population.