MITCH Agriculture & Seed Rematriation Program 

Class Description and Schedule

Agriculture classes are taught by MITCH's Agriculture teacher in a variety of educational environments spanning the school garden, greenhouse, field, and classrooms. 

​These classes are scheduled on a weekly basis. Teachers are able to integrate these lessons into core classroom instruction, as they connect to the Core Knowledge content that drives MITCH's curricular program. ​
Our Agriculture Curriculum

MITCH’s Agriculture Curriculum is built around the concept of Indigenous Seed Rematriation, focusing on the return of Indigenous seeds to their original communities. This unique and meaningful work is done under the guidance of the Indigenous communities we serve: The Makah Nation, The Hopi Nation, The Cherokee Nation, and Indigenous Oaxacan farmers at the local nonprofit Adelante Mujeres.
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This curriculum aligns with the Core Knowledge Sequences and incorporates frameworks such as Culturally Responsive Teaching, Place-Based Learning, and Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

By working collaboratively with these Indigenous communities, students gain a deeper understanding of cultural heritage, sustainability, and the importance of preserving traditional ecological knowledge.

Through a lens of Agroecology, our program emphasizes:
  • Diversity: Understanding the value of biodiversity in farming and ecosystems.
  • Interdependence: Highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.
  • Connection: Fostering relationships with the environment and community.
  • Culture: Celebrating Indigenous ways of knowing, history, resilience, and current realities.


Hands-On Learning in Our School Garden

​The school garden is the heart of our agriculture program. It serves as a living classroom where students:
  • Participate in a school-wide composting program.
  • Explore principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
  • Partner with local non-profits like Neighbors Nourishing Communities to strengthen ties to the community.


Field Trips 

​The Agriculture Program organizes 1 annual field trips to a local, biodynamic and community owned farm. Throughout the year, students focus on a variety of topics, including: pollinators, seeds, and soil health. 

Through this program, students develop a sense of responsibility, curiosity, and respect for the environment, making our Agriculture Curriculum a vital and enriching part of the MITCH experience.

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Below, you will find the focus and student-facing material of each grade-level. Lessons are aligned to Common Core, Oregon's Tribal History/Shared History, and Teaching for Justice's Social Justice Standards. Student workbooks are printed with support from Newspaper Club, who keep small scale publishing alive.

​To learn more about MITCH's Agriculture Program, please contact Caitlin Blood at [email protected] or check out the publications below. ​

Kindergarten

Kindergarteners at MITCH learn about the Makah Nation and the Makah Ozette Potato from Makah Culture and Language Teacher, Yvonne Wilkie. Together, they plant, grow, and return these seeds to the Makah Nation. These lessons align with the Native American domain in Core Knowledge.

Publications
The Story of a Seed, 2021
The Voice of a Seed, 2022
Teaching the Culture of Agrobiodiversity, 2022

1st Grade

1st graders at MITCH learn about Oaxacan Green Corn from Indigenous Zapotec communities in Oaxaca. In partnership with local non-profit Adelante Mujeres, students plant, grow, dry and return these seeds to Oaxacan farmers in Forest Grove, Oregon. These lessons align with the Ancient Mesoamerican domain in Core Knowledge, but teach students that indigenous communities and cultures in Latin America are alive and well today.

2nd Grade

2nd graders at MITCH learn about the Cherokee Trail of Tears Bean. Students plant, grow, dry and return these seeds to the Cherokee Nation. These lessons align with the Core Knowledge domain that explores the European invasion of America in the 1800s.

​We are currently seeking partnership with members of the Cherokee Nation to rematriate this seed. To support this effort, please email cblood@ mitchcharterschool.org. 

3rd Grade

3rd graders at MITCH learn about the Hopi Black Dye Sunflower. In partnership with Jayson Paymella at the Hopi Foundation, students plant, grow, harvest, and return these seeds to the Hopi Garden Project at Homlovi. These lessons align with the Native American domain in Core Knowledge.

4th Grade

4th graders at MITCH learn about the Cherokee Nation's North Georgia Candy Roaster Winter Squash. Together they plant, grow, and work toward returning these seeds to the Cherokee Nation. These lessons align with Oregon's Tribal History/Shared History Curriculum, implemented via SB13. MITCH is currently seeking partnership with members of the Cherokee Nation to rematriate this seed. To support this effort, please email cblood@ mitchcharterschool.org. 

5th Grade

5th graders at MITCH learn about Hopi Red Dye Amaranth. In partnership with Jayson Paymella at the Hopi Foundation, students plant, grow, harvest, and return these seeds to the Hopi Garden Project at Homlovi. These lessons align with the Ancient Mesoamerican domain in Core Knowledge, but teach students that indigenous communities and culture in Latin America are alive and well today.