Overview
This book presents a tapestry of perspectives related to the interplay of health, diet, cultural ecology, and environment that creates the fabric and foundation of all sustainable living. The writers examine the underlying ecology of food, agriculture, health care, and sustainable living rooted in the historical traditions, environmental practices, and sense of place among Indigenous peoples, and they describe the impact that disruption of this way of life continues to have on health, well-being, and communal identity. Drawing on an Indigenous paradigm of "healthy environment, healthy culture, healthy people," this book pulls together inspirational ideas and practical approaches to applying the principles of sustainable living in both Native and non-Native communities.Synopsis
This book presents a tapestry of perspectives related to the interplay of health, diet, cultural ecology, and environment that creates the fabric and foundation of all sustainable living. The writers examine the underlying ecology of food, agriculture, health care, and sustainable living rooted in the historical traditions, environmental practices, and sense of place among Indigenous peoples, and they describe the impact that disruption of this way of life continues to have on health, well-being, and communal identity. Drawing on an Indigenous paradigm of "healthy environment, healthy culture, healthy people," this book pulls together inspirational ideas and practical approaches to applying the principles of sustainable living in both Native and non-Native communities.
Library Journal
This book contains a series of essays by Native Americans, Hispanics, and Anglos dealing primarily with the diet and health of the native peoples of the United States and Mexico. Several chapters contrast traditional diets with modern-day fare and its accompanying health problems. Traditional healing practices, or curanderismos, are also treated. Other chapters cover the raising and marketing of organic vegetables, the preservation of biodiversity, permaculture, traditional building practices, and the psychology of space and place. The book presents important facts, stories, and opinions regarding traditional diet and health but suffers from a lack of cohesiveness and some of the repetition common to collections with multiple authors. Editor Cajete, a Tewa Indian from the Santa Clara Pueblo, is an education professor at the University of New Mexico. For public and academic libraries.--Tim McKimmie, New Mexico State Univ. Lib., Las Cruces Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.