Corn as a partner and gift giver: Voices of respect

This free online mini-conference features 10+ inspiring speakers sharing about why corn is a special being and is deserving of respect.
 

Corn (Zea mays, also known as maize) is a plant of great importance in many cultures and economies worldwide. However, corn is special for many reasons besides this plant's well-known productivity and corn's widespread use for human and animal food as well as for energy and industrial uses. Corn was first developed by the Indigenous peoples of Mexico thousands of years ago and has a long and important history of strong connection with the peoples of the Americas who consider corn as an ancestor, teacher, partner, giftgiver, and spiritual being. Corn has become important for many people in non-Indigenous cultures as well. However, typically, corn is often used in the dominant culture just for human purposes without the sense of respect, reciprocity, and appropriate use with which corn was originally developed, and without appreciating the unique being that corn is.

The goal of this free online mini-conference is to encourage all groups of people to consider corn as a being deserving of more respect. The event features a diverse group of inspiring speakers who will speak on behalf of corn and why this plant being is important as well as how they feel that corn should be treated. They each bring their own perspective about this plant, but what they have in common is a sense of appreciation and care for corn which they will share with you in this unique event.

Speakers:

• Mary Anne Quiroz, Executive Director, Indigenous Roots
• Gustavo Romero, Chef/owner Oro by Nixta y Nixta Tortilleria
• Zachary Paige, Farmer & Sustainable Ag & Food Systems Coordinator - NW RSDP
• Hope Flanagan, Community Outreach and Cultural Teacher, Dream of Wild Health
• David Abazs, Farmer, Round River Farm & Exec Dir, NE RSDP - UMN Extension
• Milford Calamity, Diné (Navajo) Jeweler
• Robin Wall Kimmerer, Author, Scientist, and Professor
• Frank Kutka, Adjunct Lecturer, College of Menominee Nation
• Walter Goldstein, Executive Director, Mandaamin Institute
• LoriAnn Bird, Author, Herbalist, and Educator
• Rebecca Krinke, Professor of Landscape Architecture, UMN

The speakers are divided into three moderated panels of three presenters. The panel moderators are Dr. Kate Brelje, Dr. Dan Philippon, and Dr. Nick Jordan.