Environmental for Food Justice

Maize mural detail. Diego Rivera Moderator’s Note: While I just now received my early review copy and I will pen an extensive review essay in the next few weeks, I thought it appropriate to present these notes from the author himself: Roberto Dr. Cintli Rodriguez presents an overview of his new book, Our Sacred Maíz is our Mother , which was just published by the University of Arizona Press. I will post my review in October. Our Sacred Maíz is our Mother INDIGENEITY AND BELONGING IN THE AMERICAS Roberto Dr. Cintli Rodriguez | Tucson, AZ | September 24, 2014 I’ve written or edited several books in my life and each of them have been special, especially since most were banned by Tucson’s school district during the state’s infamous battle in Arizona to eliminate Raza Studies, However, this one, Our Sacred Maíz is our Mother , released early by the University of Arizona Press, seems to be a little more special. Perhaps it is so because it speaks to a topic that recognizes no borders and co...

Leyenda de origen.  Source: Radio Luzmar Declaration includes traditions, agriculture, customs, ideas, flavors and colors TRANSGENIC PLANTINGS ARE UNRESOLVED THREAT Devon G. Peña | Seattle, WA | July 28, 2014 We are all familiar with the idea that many ethnic and indigenous communities self-identify as “corn cultures” in the Americas. The most familiar case is that of Mexico since ancient civilizations proclaimed themselves to have arisen from maize. Indeed, the Mayan creation stories include the poetic account of how first woman and man are molded from white and yellow corn plants. One eloquent proponent of the concept of Mexico as a corn culture is Roberto Rodriguez whose doctoral studies focused on Centeotzintli, the traditional environmental knowledge and ritual practices associated with maize as a sacred plant. Lauren Baker – in a fabulous new book, Corn Meets Maize – is another scholar who observes that in indigenous communities, the cultivated fields of maize constitute a ...