Indigenous Peoples’ Day: Honoring Native Heritage
Indigenous Peoples' Day is a holiday that celebrates and honors Native American peoples and commemorates their histories and cultures. It's observed on the second Monday in October, coinciding with the federal holiday of Columbus Day in the United States.
The idea for Indigenous Peoples' Day was born in 1977 at a United Nations conference on discrimination against indigenous populations in the Americas. It was first adopted as a holiday in Berkeley, California in 1992, on the 500th anniversary of Columbus' arrival in the Americas.
Many Native Americans and allies have long criticized the celebration of Columbus Day, arguing that it glorifies an exploitative and violent history of colonization. Indigenous Peoples' Day offers a way to reframe the narrative, focusing instead on the rich cultures and contributions of Native peoples.
The holiday encourages reflection on the complex history of the Americas and promotes recognition of indigenous peoples' resilience, wisdom, and ongoing contributions to our shared communities. It's a day for education, celebration, and advocacy for indigenous rights and cultural preservation.
In recent years, a growing number of cities, states, and institutions have chosen to recognize Indigenous Peoples' Day. This shift represents a broader movement towards acknowledging historical injustices and fostering respect for Native American perspectives and experiences.
Indigenous Tribes in the Ashland, Oregon Area
Our area has a rich indigenous history. The primary Native American groups who have traditionally inhabited this region include:
- The Takelma: Also known as the Dagelma, they were the primary inhabitants of the Rogue Valley. The Takelma people lived along the Rogue River and its tributaries, with a culture deeply connected to the local ecology.
- The Shasta: While primarily associated with northern California, the Shasta peoples' territory extended into southern Oregon, including parts of the Rogue Valley.
- The Latgawa: A subgroup of the Takelma, the Latgawa lived in the uplands of the Rogue Valley and along the Upper Rogue River.
- The Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe: While primarily associated with areas north of Ashland, their ancestral territory extended into parts of the Rogue Valley.
Today, many descendants of these tribes are part of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, which include multiple bands and tribes from western Oregon.
As we observe Indigenous Peoples' Day, we're invited to learn more about these original inhabitants of the lands we now call home and to consider how we can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. It's an opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing presence and contributions of Native peoples in our community and to honor their enduring connection to this land.
More Co-op News
Summer Picnic Guide
Everyone loves a picnic. But some are better at organizing one than others. Make planning the perfect picnic a breeze with our easy picnic guide.
A Party for YOU
Each year we hold an Annual Meeting and Owner Picnic. This is our chance to catch up over a delightful picnic and most importantly update you on the recent year’s events and financials.
This year, we are changing things up a bit. The Annual Meeting and Owner Picnic will be more family friendly than ever before. We have a new menu designed to appeal to busy little (and big!) hands so you and your kiddos have time to enjoy one of our many family friendly activities.
6 Reasons to Buy in Bulk
Bulk bins have been a staple at the Ashland Food Co-op since we opened our doors in 1972. For good reason too, buying in bulk is better. Better for your pocket book, better for the environment, and better for your belly. Here’s why.
6 Reasons to Buy in Bulk
Co-op + Community = A Perfect Match
At the Co-op, we are all about community. After all, YOU are why we are here and providing healthy, organic food to the Rogue Valley.
As a cooperative enterprise, there are seven principles we follow. We use them as guidlines to put our values into practice. Principle 7, Concern for Community, affords us the opportunity to give back to local nonprofits that do so much good in this beautiful place we call home.
Jackfruit 101
You might have noticed a rather large, prickly fruit hanging out next to the apples, oranges, and papayas in the Produce Department. Meet the Jackfruit, the newest addition to the Produce Department. In case you don't know "jack" about Jackfruit, here is a crash course.
- The Jackfruit is native to South and Southeast Asia and is a close cousin of the fig.
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The Co-op sources the fruit from Patagonia Orchards. Their fruit is grown in the tropical rainforest of Nayarit, Mexico.
Get Your Garden On
This is one of our favorite times of the year. The sun is out and the days are longer, time to play in the dirt. Our Produce Staff share their favorite seeds and starts to help you get your garden going.
Meet the Meat Department
Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. So far you’ve meet the dynamic Produce and Deli teams. Next up, the department that is packed with protein, meet the Meat Department.
Did you know?
Rachel's Spring Produce Picks
Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her spring produce picks.
Strawberries
Most people are surprised to know that early spring are two of the best months out of the year for tasty strawberries. The first batch out of California is usually so sweet and full of flavor that the rest of the year I often shy away from strawberries. They just don’t measure up to the fruit coming out early in the year.
5 Edible Plants to Start in Your Garden Now
Spring is most definitely upon us, and we are lucky enough to live in Southern Oregon where the weather during this time is usually (ahem) co-operative enough to let us get some plants in the ground in between the hail storms and rainbows. There are actually many plants that do quite well in this time of transition, as they prefer the cooler temperatures that we get here this time of year, before the real heat sets in. Here are a few that we have right now at the Co-op, direct from local, organic farms. Plant these in your garden now for best results!
UPDATED Organic Raw Macadamia Nuts Recalled Because of Possible Health Risk
UPDATED 3/17/16
Ashland Food Co-Op of Ashland, Oregon issues the updated press release to clarify that we re-packed and sold Organic Raw Macadamia nuts in random weight bags at our retail store in Oregon only between January 5th, 2016 and February 4th, 2016. We do not have any internet sale or distribute affected product outside Oregon.
Garden of Life Raw Meal Recall
Garden of Life has issued a voluntary recall on all Raw Meal products shipped after August 15, 2015.
Please see the below link to Garden of Life’s blog for all lot numbers that they are recalling, as well as details of the recall.
Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine
Rachel Rose, Assistant Produce Manager, shares her winter produce picks.
The cells in our bodies are all made using the building blocks that we provide in the food that we eat, the air that we breathe and the water we drink. If we want healthy bodies, feeding ourselves and our families the cleanest healthiest foods is a real good start. We are what we eat!
Burdock root
Behind the Scenes: The Deli
Welcome back to our Behind the Scenes blog series. We recently took you into the colorful world of Produce. Now we’d like to introduce you to the department that enters beast mode daily: the Deli.
Did you know?
31 Reasons to Visit the Co-op
Happy 2016! It’s a brand new year, new month, new day. No doubt many of you’ve made a variety of resolutions to make this year the best yet. The Co-op can help you succeed. How? Let us tell you. Here are 31 reasons why you should visit the Co-op every day this month to improve your life and your community.
Behind the Scenes: Produce Department
You shop for groceries at the Co-op. For lunch, you often stop at the Deli for a quick meal from the Hot Bar. You meet friends outside on the plaza, give each other long hugs, and catch up on life. After a long week, you swing by for the Friday beer and wine tastings at the Kiosk. But how well do you really know the Co-op?