While there were too many outstanding presentations and much news from around the state and country, this presentation identified the following bills as transformative in the civil protection process for survivors and those who serve them. It is dry reading, but it is important to communicate throughout the advocacy community. Many directives in the law were made with increasing safety for survivors and children in mind and provide directives for judges and the support staff clarifying the process and timelines within the judicial system. The second bill mandates safety policies under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Circle of Advocacy would like to add two significant additions worth noting, given our vision and mission. So, pour a cup of tea, get comfy clothes, and as you read these changes, join us in raising a toast to ALL of those who worked tirelessly to get these issues placed into law. While there is so much more to do, this past year saw great strides to increase safety for all involved in these cases. Moreover, please note that these are not legal opinions or writings, but to have such significant changes and not get the word is not characteristic of Circle of Advocacy.   Hear our voice. 

HB24-1122 Protection Orders for Victims of Crime 

1. This bill increases protections for survivors of domestic violence by codifying sexual violence in statute by broadening the definition of domestic violence, changing sexual abuse to sexual violence, including sexual harassment, and reframing these forms of violence as patterns of behavior rather than discreet actions. It also removes the harmful "imminent danger" standard, which ties violence to timeframe and severity rather than being perpetrator centric. It supports and assists survivors of sexual violence by removing the timeframe, giving, as it has been referred to as grace and space to process the possible long-term effects of the underlying trauma. 

2. Reducing reasons why a civil protection order may be denied AND directing judges to make a temporary protection order permanent without requiring additional evidence of testimony from the survivor when the respondent does not appear at the hearing. 

3. Prohibiting a court from serving an abuser with a notice of a civil protection order unless the protection order is granted, improving the safety of victims after they take action against their abuser, 

4. This bill provides increased safety for children by reducing barriers to providing a safe environment and trying to push judges to "plan" for children- INCLUDING temporary care and control of any shared children in the civil protection order (both temporary and permanent) when requested by one of the parties and prohibiting judicial officers from redirecting survivors to file in a district court instead. The act clarifies that a municipal court shall include in the order a provision awarding temporary care and control of any joint or shared minor children of the parties involved for not more than one year after the date on which the temporary care and control is awarded in the temporary protection order. 

IF there is no pending or existing domestic relations or juvenile case in the district court involving joint or shared children, the act prohibits the petitioner from being required or instructed to file a complaint for a protection order in district court when the petitioner is otherwise eligible to file for a civil protection order in county court. Additionally, it can be requested by the petitioner vs. both parties. 

1. Prohibiting the court from hearing a motion to dismiss or modify a civil protection order if filed incorrectly. It clarifies hearing timelines and includes motions to modify or dismiss, which can only be filed (re: by the respondent) 1x/2 yrs. 

2. It further erodes the power and control that is often exhibited within the legal system using the courts and the possibility of prohibitive legal fees by preventing survivors from having to pay their abuser's attorney's fees, 

Specifically, the act prohibits the court from awarding any costs or assessing any fees (including attorney fees) against a petitioner seeking a civil protection order as a victim of domestic abuse, domestic violence, stalking, or sexual violence. The act prohibits a state or public agency from assessing fees for service of process against a petitioner seeking a civil protection order, including attorney fees against a petitioner seeking a civil protection order.  

1. Directing cell phone companies to transfer shared phone lines to the survivor's name and control if requested with the civil protection order.  

Specifically, technology has been an easy tool for perpetrators to stalk, isolate, and prevent a survivor from seeking out the needed resources as well as being safe. As part of a request for a temporary or permanent protection order in a case involving domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking, the act authorizes the court to enter an order directing a wireless telephone service provider to transfer the financial responsibility for and rights to a wireless telephone number to the petitioner if the petitioner: 

• Is not the account holder, and  

• Proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the petitioner and any minor children in the petitioner's care are the primary users of each wireless telephone number that the petitioner requested to be transferred. 

The act clarifies that the venue for filing a motion or complaint for a civil protection order is proper in any county where any acts or behaviors subject to the motion or complaint occurred.  It further streamlines service requirements for clarity and safety.  

The act authorizes a judge or magistrate to continue the temporary protection order for not more than one year after the date when the permanent protection order hearing takes place. IF the temporary protection order is continued for one year and the petitioner seeks a permanent protection order, the act requires the petitioner to file a motion at least 14 days before the scheduled hearing, notifying the court and the respondent of the petitioner's intent to pursue a permanent protection order on the date of the scheduled hearing.  

→The act requires a judge to order a temporary protection order to be made permanent……. 

→ if the judge finds that the respondent engaged in a behavior constituting grounds for the issuance of a civil protection order  

→ based on sexual violence and that a RISK, threat of physical harm, or the threat of psychological or emotional harm exists to the petitioner.  

→The act REQUIRES A JUDGE TO ORDER , please make note! 

1. The act requires the court to encourage the petitioner to notify the respondent if the petitioner intends not to appear at the permanent protection order hearing. However, the court shall neither require the petitioner to attend nor assess attorney fees or costs against the petitioner for choosing not to attend the hearing. 

2. The act prohibits service upon the respondent and upon the person to be protected if the temporary protection order is denied or if the petitioner moves to vacate the temporary protection order prior to the court receiving confirmation that the respondent was personally served or had actual knowledge of the request for a civil protection order. 

3. If the temporary protection order is based in whole or in part on an act of domestic violence, and the act of domestic violence involved the threat of use of physical force, use of physical force, or attempted use of physical force, the act requires the citation to inform the respondent that the respondent must refrain from possessing or purchasing a firearm or ammunition for the duration of the order and must relinquish, for the duration of the order, a firearm or ammunition in the respondent's immediate possession or control or subject to the respondent's immediate possession or control. 

4. The act requires the court to grant additional continuances at the petitioner's request if the petitioner cannot serve the respondent and if the petitioner can show the petitioner has made reasonable efforts to serve the respondent or that the respondent is evading service. 

5. The act requires temporary and permanent protection orders to be written and communicated in simple and plain language. 

6. The court has discretion to bifurcate a case. 

APPROVED by Governor June 3, 2024/EFFECTIVE January 1, 2025 

Commentary: This bill is significant in that it mandates considerations be made for children, hopefully increasing safety for survivors as well. It also shields a survivor from abusive tactics by dismantling a portion of the financial realm that perpetrators often use as power and control, for example, attorney fees and baseless lawsuits and charges. In speaking privately with multiple judges in Colorado, many have voiced that their hands are tied. This facilitates allowing a judge to increase the safety of survivors through time and space orders on the authority of the evidence as presented to the bench. It also can assist in lowering the case load for jurisdictional as well as county vs. district and includes limits of petitioning for change on orders. Lastly, something that on the surface has always appeared to be simple in scope…disengaging from a perpetrator by separating cell phone service is now law! 

HB24-1122 Online-Facilitated Misconduct & Remote Tracking expands protections under the CO Consumer Protection Act for dating apps by mandating safety policies that:

• Requiring specific elements (i.e., types of behaviors prohibited) 

• Guidelines for reporting misconduct  

• Any safety measures the app employs 

• Information about resources for victims 

• REQUIRES two-party consent for electronic tracking devices that can be used for stalking. Additionally, it expands protections for victims of AI deepfakes intimate image abuse. 

• Must include an On Ramp Window: compliance is required within one year for any company that has a Colorado resident as a customer. 

HB24-1122 Online-Facilitated Misconduct & Remote Tracking increases accountability and transparency, and victims can access monetary damage from the office of the Attorney General. Mandating annual reporting to the office of the Attorney General that documents members' misconduct and actions taken against those members. Extends existing laws prohibiting posting private images for harassment or pecuniary gain legalese "any monetary or economic gain that serves as an impetus in the commission of a crime," INCLUDING computer-generated, digitally altered sexual photos known as deep fakes. 

Commentary: This bill puts Colorado at the forefront- having legislation in place that prevents the use of technology to facilitate sexual violence, especially in the realm of stalking, human trafficking, and pornography. 

HB24-1350 Parental Responsibilities Proceedings Child Safety

In the written report, the child and family investigator shall provide options that serve the child's best interest for the court to consider in custody matters and parenting time. The child's wishes, if expressed, must be disclosed in the child and family investigator's written report. The court shall consider the entirety of the report and any testimony by the child and family investigator, the parties, and any other professionals before adopting any recommendations made by the child and family investigator.  

Under (4) (e), When the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that one of the parties has committed child abuse or neglect, domestic violence, or sexual assault resulting in the conception of the child, in formulating or approving a parenting plan, the court shall consider conditions on parenting time that ensure the safety of the child and the abused party, GIVING PARAMOUNT CONSIDERATION TO THE SAFETY, AND THE PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND EMOTIONAL CONDITIONS AND NEEDS OF THE CHILD AND ABUSED PARTY. 

In addition to any provisions set forth in subsection (7) that are appropriate, the parenting plan in these cases may include but is not limited to, the following provisions concerning domestic violence and child abuse, including child sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, coercive control, TRAUMA and victim and perpetrator behavioral patterns and relationship dynamics. 

If the court orders unsupervised parenting time for a parent, and there is any information, including an accusation by a child, that the parent has committed domestic violence, child abuse, or child sexual abuse, or if the parent is accused by the child of domestic violence, child abuse, child sexual abuse, child emotional abuse, or coercive control, the court shall make a statement in writing or orally on the proceeding record regarding why unsupervised parenting time for the parent was determined to be in the best interests of the child with paramount consideration given to the child's safety and the physical, mental, and emotional conditions and needs of the child. 

Section 4. In Colorado Revised Statutes, amend 14-10-126 as follows:14-10-126. Interviews.  

(1)  Upon a motion, the court may interview the child in chambers to ascertain the child's wishes regarding allocating parental responsibilities. The court may permit counsel to be present at the interview. The court shall cause a record of the interview to be made, and it shall be made part of the record in the case. THE COURT SHALL MAKE FINDINGS IN ITS IN CHAMBERS. This will likely occur as a video conference call. 

(2) The court may seek the advice of professional personnel whether or not they are employed regularly by the court. The advice given shall be in writing and made available by the court to counsel of record, parties, and other expert witnesses upon request. However, it shall otherwise be considered confidential, sealed, and not open to inspection except by court consent. Counsel may call or cross-examine any professional personnel consulted by the court. The court shall give paramount consideration to cases involving page 10-house bill 24-1350- AN ALLEGATION MADE BY A CHILD REGARDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT, OR CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN DETERMINING WHETHER TO GRANT A REQUEST TO INTERVIEW A CHILD IN CHAMBERS. 

Commentary: Many of the original standards for training and certifications were removed in the final bill, but much of the language surrounding investigatory standards and requirements for experts is intended to ensure non-biased investigations. There has been an overall effort to help find ways for kids' voices to be heard, one being to allow camera interviews with the judge. The implementation within the court system in family law (which is complicated) is another matter entirely. Of note that within the statute, the definitions are clearly written regarding coercive control (eleven components), domestic violence (including animals), intimate relationships, BUT not trauma… 

When constructing a parenting plan, if in court there is a finding by a preponderance of the evidence that one of the parties has committed child abuse or neglect, domestic violence, or sexual assault, the court SHALL consider conditions on parenting time that ensure the safety of the child. Finally, children are not property; they have the potential for a voice and consideration for their rights and well-being! 

Lastly, the statute requires ALL information to be included in the final report submitted to the court, regardless of how the CFI learned of the information. It provides CFIs with more tools in reporting to the court that were needed to ensure child/survivor safety and minimize the re-traumatization inherent during court proceedings. Overall, it improves protections for survivors of domestic violence and child abuse and provides improved accountability and more informed decision-making on the part of the court. 

HB24-1072 Protection of Sex Offense Victims 

This statute was signed into law on Denim Day (04.24.24). The law is an expansion of the Rape Shield law that stops certain pieces of victim information from being used as evidence in court. It expands privacy protections for survivors in criminal cases by restricting or limiting evidence about a victim's clothing or hairstyle, past sexual conduct with the defendant, and history of false reports. The bill modifies relevancy and admissibility standards for specific evidence. It strikes a careful balance between protecting victims' privacy before a jury and allowing defense attorneys to present evidence before trial that could help the defendant. That pre-trial hearing will ensure that the defendant's constitutional rights are protected, and the survivor's privacy is protected. The purpose of this measure is to strengthen these laws and add necessary clarification to address irrelevant, humiliating, and degrading interrogation that can often deter victim and witness participation in the criminal justice process. 

The law is representative of what we know is the definition of consent. Hopefully, people feel more empowered to seek justice. Sex assaults, more than any other crime, often go unreported because victims are worried about going through the process. This new law will help to reduce the amount of re-traumatization and anxiety for the survivor. 

Commentary: It is about time!!! It brings even more meaning to Denim Day! 

In closing, there is a lot to digest, but it is a year that hopefully portends changes for the better. The last bill, HB24-1431, will be another blog as it is one of the main focuses for our future at Circle of Advocacy, but for now, share the spread of hope! 

While this celebration is celebrated through a cultural and historic lens emulating joy, empowerment, resilience, and a call to action for social and racial justice, many people do not know about it. For many, it was a part of history, not a celebration of history. Historically, the first celebration took place on June 19th, 1866, making it the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the end of slavery in the U.S. Celebrations waned because of Jim Crow laws and the Great Depression. It was revived in the "Poor People's March, which was planned to coincide with the date during the civil rights movement.

Recognizing some of the history surrounding our nation's own "man's inhumanity to man" is essential. That being said, one-third of the founding fathers signing the Declaration of Independence were slaveholders. The enslaved were legally considered property as opposed to human beings, with slavery being "big business" grounded in the financial districts-slaves were accepted by banks as collateral. July 4th tends to recognize a somewhat false history. In contrast, much of the nation's infrastructure was built on the backs of enslaved people, and there is no recognition of the racism (racist ideas) and policies that were integral to the founding of our nation. While not to take away from slavery as it was the cornerstone for injustices that were suffered by others in our history- it is of note that on August 8th, 2021, Colorado's government took a big step towards healing for Native Americans. Governor Jared Polis signed an executive order rescinding language to "kill and destroy" Native Americans from an 1864 state law, once used to justify the 19th-century Sand Creek Massacre. In 1993, recognizing the right to exist in a world free from violence was a basic tenet in many indigenous cultures and governments. The epidemic of sexual violence perpetrated against Native American women and children in the United States reflects a fundamental breakdown. Lastly, the "Lynching Memorial," which opened on April 26th, 2018, is a gut-wrenching journey through some of America's darkest moments, taking note of our violent history, which informs the power and control model that continues to exist in forms that include mass incarceration of minorities, domestic violence, sex assault, and human trafficking.

As an organization that works to support the vulnerable in our community, we recognize that incarceration, drug abuse, lack of economic opportunity, and facing the prospect of being unhoused when fleeing violence in this nation are the newest forms of oppression. We seek to work diligently to create and support a healing pathway to justice for all survivors. We are thankful for the recognition of this day and the historical trauma experienced because of slavery.

The celebration of this day includes food with southern roots. Dig out that great barbeque recipe and red foods, especially strawberry soda and red velvet cake, recognizing the use of crimson as a color that symbolizes ingenuity and resilience in bondage. It is a day to embrace black culture, particularly community and family. It is a day that has had beauty pageants as part of the celebrations, so keep a look out for Circle of Advocacy's own "Pet's and their Owner's Look Alike Pageant"… and send us some recipes for sharing (circleofadvocacy.org).

“Won’t it be wonderful when Black History and Native American History, and Jewish History and all of U.S. history is taught from one book. Just U.S. history.” - Maya Angelou

Every 98 seconds an American is sexually assaulted – one of the most humiliating and dehumanizing acts of violence perpetrated against another human being. Common first reactions include;

• trying to put it out of mind because one can not handle it emotionally; nothing will make a difference because the trauma can not be erased

• being unable to immediately acknowledge or label the event as assault, trauma, or sexual/physical abuse

• avoiding the assault instead of reporting it, i.e., putting on a brave face;

• engaging in risky behaviors

• believing the violence was the victims fault and being scared that they will not be believed

• being afraid of the possible consequences of reporting

• experiencing sleeplessness, nightmares, paranoia, fear of routine activites, and may develop PTSD

• Feeling a sense of a lack of safety in routine situations tgat previously felt safe

As the title of the blog suggests the attitude and services/supports surrounding survivors hasn’t changed with the times. Rather than helping a survivor feel safe, the reporting process is traumatic- the proverbial “damned if you do, damned if you don’t”. Statistics from 2016 show that only 23% of victims of rape or sexual assault report the assault, whereas 1 in 6 women and 1 in 33 men in the U.S were victims of sexual assault or rape. Barriers to reporting run the gamut of fear/mistrust of the justice system, to transportation issues, to feelings of shame, fear, uncertainty, guilt, & avoidance. Oftentimes it is like entering a no man’s land (no pun intended)…a path littered with uncertainty, doubt, confusion, mixed messages from all around, where finding safety can be hard with the healing being a complex process in a society that either denies it or erects barriers to access for support and treatment. Sound overwhelming?

IT IS - not only for the victim … IT IS also overwhelming for

• Social services health and medical teams including SANE nurses.

• Victim Advocates and emergency response teams

• Law enforcement and prosecutors

• College Campuses

• Military

• Tribal agencies

One-third of victims don’t share their experiences with anyone - not even a close friend or family member for many complex and interlocking reasons. Survivors fear losing control of the situation. Until recently technology has not been made available as a part of the response to survivors.  The benefits of using a technology based program (from an advocacy perspective) include using it as an instrument that increases the comfort of retelling the trauma that occurred, decreases the uncertainty of the criminal justice process, and offers broader options for safety planning. Technology may an instrument that supports the survivor in multiple ways over time.

Seek then Speak offers an alternative reporting option using technology access. It provides anonymous reporting, with non-investigative reporting. It is self-guided with translated access, disability access, and allows the survivor privacy and the ability to regain power and control that was lost in experiencing the trauma. It can also be a resource for loved ones. Whether the survivor chooses to report the crime is only one part of the website. There are so many facets to inform and educate. Importantly, it meets all the confidentiality standards of the Health Insurance and Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

In composing the initial report there are other benefits for the survivor in that it can be supportive for interview preparation by changing the power dynamics present in an interview. It assists law enforcement as it is time stamped and is a written statement. This in turn supports the District Attorney on the front end of an investigation by reducing gaps and the wait time for law enforcement to have available personnel in taking reports. There are options for submittal to law enforcement whereby they have a specific email for these reports. Once submitted it becomes part of the case. Importantly for the survivors, it reduces the re-traumatization of retelling their story. The survivor also has options to save their file online, download, print, or email a copy for their records.

Through Seek then Speak survivors have access to the justice system without the fear of losing control of the situation. Professionals interviewed that work with survivors in the justice system have given witness to the positive outcomes for survivors and creating a more collaborative partnership. With the possibility of internal blame, shame, guilt and fear of humiliation, this program allows a survivor the ability to consider multiple choices and choose the path that is best for them in a thoughtful, resourceful and supportive way. In many cases their justice may be defined as simply having their voice heard.

Circle of Advocacy works closely with survivors to support their journey. Violence against a person is traumatic in all forms, and we recognize the devastating effects that the act of sexual assault can cause an intense emotional wounding, mostly to women and the LBGTQIA+ community. While this program supports and educates the community, as well as the next generation, it is also supporting those of us that work with individuals experiencing the indignity of feeling helpless. Seek then Speak can help reduce the survivor blaming themselves or receiving blame from others for the misconduct of the perpetrator as it is a very private process. 

While sexual violations wound a person’s self-esteem, self-concept, and sense of self, this program offers a path forward with resources and support for survivors and has created a new game in town. 

For those of us who have a love/hate relationship with technology…this is love. As we close out the month that has a focus on sexual assault, this tool is a game changer and if one were to examine what was learned or gained, we hope this tops the list. We are hoping that having it on our website will serve our community going forward and that you having read this will share it out in the community. Circle of Advocacy is looking forward to advocating for its use and implementation throughout law enforcement and the judicial system as a tool to for all those involved but especially in its continued work with survivors of sexual assault that supports their journey toward healing.

As an organization, we are excited for the support from this community based organization that recognizes our commitment to serving the needs of our youth through education that can impact them now and in the participants’ future. The flyer is included here, and we hope that you will put it out with your community contacts and partners. AND it is free!

The construct of relational health is an idea that is gaining more traction in the aftermath of COVID and the effects that it had on children and their development. Some of the most recent research published has reported a threefold increase in violence towards school and childcare staff since the return from the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020. The lives of many people have drastically changed, with children in particular being affected in their daily lives by school closures and the loss of the supports provided to children in the school setting. Prior to schools closing, millions of students relied on the mental health resources provided by schools, the social settings both during the school day and in afterschool settings, as well as their nutritional needs. Children become violent when their needs aren’t met.

Initially, the focus will be teens and tweens, with curriculum being developed for the younger age groups that is developmentally appropriate. The underlying driver is that a significant amount of time was taken from our children during the pandemic that has affected their socio-emotional development as they are about to enter the dating world, secondary education prep, and needing job skills as they enter the workforce and navigate the world in the realm of social media. Just one concept alone, dating, can fill a person with excitement or dread, or a mixture of both and now add in the passive communication present today-breadcrumbing, caking, catch and release, and cushioning, just to name a few. 

Circle of Advocacy’s program does not focus on one concept but rather the values emulated in healthy relationships-trust, respect, reliability, honesty, kindness, and empathy. Espousing that relationships are give and take, similarities and differences with rules, rights, and responsibilities. Introducing the concepts of a healthy relationship that include self-care, communicating effectively, learning to resolve conflict, and exploring a relationship bill of rights- to stay or go.

Viewing development through the lens of relational health reflects the recognition of the critical role relationships play in the overall development, and the complex system of relationships that are inherent in that development-socioemotional, cognitive, neuro-biological, and health outcomes has contributed to a growing shift in efforts to identify relational determinants at all stages of development. Circe of Advocacy has developed programming that supports the child, specifically targeting the construct of relational health as a tool for promoting socio-emotional and physical health throughout their lives. We ask for your support in launching this program within our community as we reach out to our community partners that work with our youth. Lastly, but importantly, it is a malleable program and can be tailored to meet the needs of the organization or group.

We are excited and hope to hear from you! And there is a gift card as well!

When you think of teens and dating, domestic violence is probably not where your mind goes. Yet, if you identify as female, I’m sure you can recall a time or two that you experienced inappropriate remarks, touches, or a form of sexualized bullying that undermined your dignity and possibly your safety. Though the term “female” is referenced above, teen dating violence does not discriminate. There are no gender, age, race, or economic restrictions on relationship violence and abuse. Preventing teen dating violence and abuse is not the teenager’s burden to carry; we must step up as adults and create safe spaces for conversations and education during these formative years.

Teen dating violence is more common than people think. 1 in 3 teens experience some form of abuse before adulthood (loveisrespect.org), and according to youth.gov, youth aged 12 to 19 have the highest rates of rape and sexual assault nationwide, yet it is rarely talked about. Alarmingly, only about one-third of teens ever tell anyone about their abuse. It is a silent epidemic. With these stats, I scream to the world, “All young people deserve to be safe and to learn how to build relationships free from violence!” 

We have a responsibility to identify unhealthy relationships within our youth population. We - parents, grandparents, educators, medical and mental health professionals, and society - can play a role in prevention by learning the warning signs. It’s time to act, to work toward a solution to ending teen dating violence. To educate, empower, and encourage our youth. Let’s keep violence out of teen dating relationships. NOW is the perfect time to start conversations about healthy relationships with the youth in your life.

Teen dating violence and abuse and other gender-based violence, such as rape and sexual assault, are incredibly challenging for our young populations to speak about. Talk to your sons. Talk to your daughters. Show up with compassion and respect. Don’t be afraid to have uncomfortable conversations. Promote an understanding of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships. Talk about the warning signs. Talk about safety planning and the next steps. Talk about their rights. Abuse is never the victims’ fault. We have the power to end teen dating violence. 

For more information, check out these organizations and tools to build awareness:

Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

Love Is Respect

No More

National Domestic Violence Hotline

A Survivor of Teen Dating Violence, a mother, and a Grandma XO  

As we enter the month where people are focused on the Thanksgiving holiday in the Anglo-Saxon tradition, we would like to focus on the traditions that teach a profound respect for the land teaching balance between this island home and humankind. This is the time that we want to celebrate the rich cultural tapestries of the many tribes/clans, and the kaleidoscope of traditions and contributions of the First Nations People throughout the Americas and the gifts they have given to the world.

Many of these legacies are found in what is known as the Columbian Exchange-the exchange of crops between the Old World and New World. This continues to be perhaps one of the greatest changes that reshaped agriculture, adding an untold richness to the culinary world. The crops that are spoken of were not only about sustenance, but also included a cultural exchange - speaking to resiliency and the transformation of peoples and their lands.

Sharing some of this historical information in this forum is important because it inherently speaks to our vision and celebrations of traditions as lifeforms, while offering a glimpse into the wisdom of the First Nations People’s communities and agricultural practices, which we around the world are now embracing. This in turn gives rise to resiliency through sustainable agricultural systems that are deeply interconnected spiritually; honoring the lands’ biodiversity and seasonal rhythms and healing strengths. Their agro-ecological practices include terracing, companion planting, irrigation in direct opposition of the mono-agriculture practiced in many places on our Earth, especially the United States. With the path forward in the face of catastrophic climate changes and food insecurities, the First Peoples’ Nations continue to have a profound respect for the land-seeking balance between humanity and nature. 

Some of the world crops that we can thank the First Peoples Nations for are: maize (Roy’s Calais Abenaki Flint), beans (Ayocote Morado), squash (Candy Roaster Squash). Collectively these crops are known as the “Three Sisters method”. These crops form a symbiotically companion planting detering weeds and pests while enriching the soil. They grow in support of each other and are equally important in attracting pollinators. This makes the land richer instead of stripping it. This is an important cultural feature of the Cherokee nation that practiced this method of cultivating. 

It is important to recognize the efforts of organizations, deeply invested in keeping/protecting indigenous seeds, and other food sources. The conversation of the rich biodiversity of seeds serves to strengthen the community’s spiritual cultural heritage through traditions. Estimates by the U.N. Food & Agricultural Organization (FAO) estimates that within just one century, since the 1900’s, about 75% of the world’s plant diversity has been lost. Biodiversity serves as an insurance policy that has an increased capacity to withstand changing climatic changes, water scarcity, and/or new pests or diseases. Biodiversity provides strengths to the onslaught of any those stressors- so too in the First Peoples’ Nations agricultural practices have ingrained resilience- that deep interconnection and spirituality by honoring the land. Join us in celebrating…how About a Festival?

Thanks to the many efforts of Food Tank, Native Seeds (SEARCH), Renewing America’s Food Traditions (RAFT) Alliances, Native Harvest, Seed Saver’s Exchange, Slow Food Int’l. Ark of Taste for supporting our native lands.

The following crops, from the First Peoples Nations have been identified as changing the agricultural world:

Acorns

Amaranth

American Persimmon

Anishinaabe Manoomin (wild rice)

Potatoes

Bay of Fundy Dulce

Blue Camas

Tomatoes

Chaya (evergreen plant)

Chili Peppers- Chiltepin

Cacao

Cholla Cactus flower bulbs

Ostrich Fern Fiddlehead

Paws Paws

Ramon seed