College of Agriculture, University of Arizona,
Arizona Land and People, Vol. 47, Number 2
"Diversity" Key Word for Tohono O'odhamRanching, home gardening, commercial farms, 4-H projects, and home economics-the Tohono O'odham Nation and UA Cooperative Extension are working together in this diverse range of programs and projects. It's easier than it used to be. "We have a new type of relationship," says Noemi Norris, former acting director of the Nation's Department of Agriculture. "The University has accepted the fact that we're different from the rest of Tucson; there's a new sensitivity. "I like it," she says. "We work together; it's an open highway. We don't like to work with people who give us everything; we like to give back." The Tohono O'odham Nation has one tribal cattle herd. "We're trying crossbreeds-Hereford and Angus-and working with UA Extension veterinarian Ed Bicknell. Whatever's needed," as Noemi puts it. Most of the Tohono O'odham "farms" are actually non-commercial home gardens where families use traditional methods to conserve water. Children in the 4-H youth program work on home and yard beautification. They're learning how to catch storm water and how to work with native plants. "And, we hope to involve 4-H in beautifying tribal administration buildings," Noemi says. "We'd like to go into larger planting areas, but we want to do it the O'odham way with dryland farming, along with new irrigation systems." The Nation has four farms on the Western side of the reservation-the Papago, Vivo, Gila Bend, and Garcia Strip, which has Central Arizona Project (CAP) water. What they grow depends on the farm, but usually it's cotton and alfalfa for hay. They're also trying watermelons and corn. "We're trying to diversify," Noemi says. The Nation gets technical assistance from the University of Arizona, particularly Pinal and Pima County extension agents. Julie Adamcin and Bob Peterson, Pima County 4-HYD agents, are very active in tribal 4-H projects, says Noemi. For example, Julie is working to take 4-H'ers to Arizona's State Capitol to learn about the legislative process as part of their citizenship project. Incidentally, they'll meet with Noemi's daughter, 11th District Arizona State Representative Debora Norris. Right now, a one-day "Teen Maze," featuring a life-size game board on the topic, "Sex; Are You Ready?" is an important project. "Teenagers will learn to make decisions by seeing consequences and alternatives," Noemi explains. Extension home economics programs continue to be strong. "People need a good home environment, but our schools are no longer teaching these skills, and the effects are starting to show up." For example, young people know about nutrition, but they can't cook or can. They need to learn about parenting and sewing. "Home economics projects used to appeal to older people, but younger ones are showing up now. "We're trying to take up the slack," Noemi says. Document part of 1999 Native American Programs in the College of Agriculture |