Abstract
In the spring of 2021, Kalamazoo College students began the project “Tatéi Niwetsika: Planting Traditional Knowledge and Flavors,” with the intention of learning about traditional agriculture, Native Maize from Mexico, food sovereignty, and the connection between Wixárika language and culture in Nayarit. In November of 2022, we harvested the first crop of Native Maize, and thus the teachings of Our Mother Corn. From a community perspective and active participation in the field of research, this chapter discusses the importance and relevance of cultivating Native seeds using traditional agriculture. The author shares from multiple perspectives the activities that link academic research and community work in Tepic and Kalamazoo. This chapter focuses on issues of traditional agriculture, the challenges of planting Native seeds of the Gran Nayar, and food sovereignties. Finally, the author grapples with the challenges of planting Native Maize in Kalamazoo and the desire to adapt the seeds in another environment. This chapter aims to highlight traditional techniques of cultivating Maize and the ceremonial aspects. Additionally, this chapter aims to define essential research methods and techniques such as community participation and social justice for more reciprocal research on issues regarding Indigenous sovereignties.