It's can be bitterly cold in the winter on the White Earth Reservation in Callaway, Minnesota. The Native Americans who live there, members of the Anishinaabig tribe, have many problems to overcome. There are not enough jobs, and many people are alcoholics or are addicted to drugs. Many people in the community have serious health problems, like diabetes or obesity. Sometimes when a baby is born there are health problems with either the mother or the baby. There are no buses or trains because it is so far away from other cities and towns. This makes it very hard for people to get where they need to go.
What would help the Anishinaabig peoples' lives to be better? The tribe's chief and the other tribal leaders had an idea. What if the people could go back to growing the foods that their ancestors once ate? Then they could learn more about their own culture and improve the health of the people at the same time.
The Self- Development of People Committee of the Presbytery of Northern Plains wanted to partner with the tribe to help their idea to happen. Together, they came up with a plan to plant and raise crops in community and school gardens. Tribal members could learn to preserve seeds so they can continue to grow crops. They could grow rice to sell to make money. Everyone in the community could benefit. Older people, people with diabetes, young mothers and children would all eat foods that were good for them, so they would get healthier. As members of the tribe relearn traditional ways of gardening, they are also gaining confidence and pride.
Pray for the families who live on the White Earth Reservation. Pray for The Self- Development of People Committee of the Presbytery of Northern Plains.
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