What is the Indigenous Sustainable Food Systems Design Course?

The 20th Annual Indigenous Sustainable Food Systems Design Course is a six-day intensive training in ecological design, natural farming and earth restoration, natural healing both human and Mother Earth. These strategies and objectives compliment the Permaculture methodology, which is: the conscious, holistic design and maintenance of biologically productive ecosystems that have the diversity, stability, balance and resilience of natural ecosystems. 

What is ISFSDC?

ISFSDC 2016 is a holistic indigenous approach based on traditional knowledge and practices (putting the words of our elders and ancestors into actions) as a tool for improving air quality, water quality, community health, ecosystems understanding and management, traditional farming, traditional diets and nutrition, pattern understanding, communal and global responsibilities. 
ISFSDC takes a permaculture approach to sustainability. Permaculture is the harmonious integration of landscape and people, providing food, energy, shelter, and other needs in a sustainable way for all species. Permaculture is working with nature rather than against it; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than thoughtless action; of looking at systems to evolve beneficially, on their own way, towards a state of maximum natural productivity and abundance. 

Who Should Take the Course?

​Environmental students, agricultural department staff, agricultural students, landscapers, land owners, people thinking of purchasing land, people concerned for a healthy environment, farmers, ranchers, parks personal, range management personal, wildlife personal, environmentalist, health department personnel, indigenous peoples, humans, and others. This course has taught young (13 yrs.), elders (70’s) both men and women. 
“I think [the instructor’s] presentation of this material is the perfect balance between simplicity and complexity. It is accessible without adding too much information that would complicate understanding.” 
                      -2008 participant, Hopi
“Each day I feel closer to the whole group and I’m not wanting to leave! It’s really throwing me off to be here. It’s making me question what I’m doing back home. What can I do better? What do I still have to learn? How can I be a better resource to my people? How can I do more? …It’s awesome to see that we’re all here for similar reasons: to relearn our traditions, to serve our creator, to retake our place as stewards of the land. There’s a deeper learning that’s taking place here than just that of the book or specific knowledge of permaculture design and techniques.” 
                                            
-2008 participant, Oklahoma