Course Description
Oidag Himdag, the culture of growing food is an ancient practice passed down for thousands of generations. Although there are many aspects to growing food, it starts with good seed, soil and knowing how your seeds like to be taken care of. This experience will give you one on one classroom learning experience with seasoned O’odham/Indigenous Farmers to learn the solid basics for a successful start to growing food, especially desert-adapted seeds and food.
Students of this master class will be welcomed by San Xavier Farm staff with fresh farm-baked treats while given an opportunity to learn about the history of the San Xavier Cooperative Association Farm. Masterclass lecturers will focus on providing an introduction to O’odham/Desert Adapted Seeds/Foods while facilitating a hands-on seed processing activity, learning how to clean and prepare seeds for planting with discussions on how to grow each variety.
After the class concludes, the San Xavier Farm will offer Community Classroom students the opportunity to participate in optional activities at an additional cost. Activities include a farm tour ending with a traditional O’odham meal (lunch) prepared in-house by San Xavier Farm resident Chef, Phyllis Valenzuela. Payment and funds will go directly to the San Xavier Co-op Farm.
*NEW* We also offer a MasterClass Food Series Bundle. Enroll in all three courses (Crop to Cup Master Class, Xinachtli ~ Ancestral Cooking and Storytelling and It Starts With The Seed: An Introduction to Tohono O'odham Farming) for a discounted rate. This option is available when registering. This course is limited to 25 participants.
Course Format
Masterclasses are a new feature of the SBS Community Classroom Program. Masterclasses are taught by an expert instructor as a one-time workshop-style class. The class will be interactive according to the subject matter and students will get the opportunity for Q&A with the instructor(s).
Attendance & Participation
This course will be delivered in-person at the San Xavier Co-op Farm.
Registration
Online registration for this course will open August 1, 2022 at 10 AM. After registration, participants will receive a receipt of registration. Subsequently, participants will receive class instructions 1-2 weeks before the start of the course.
Refunds
Refunds are available. They must be requested at least 48 hours before the start of the class. Individuals who register for the Masterclass bundle and need to arrange for cancelation and/or refund, please contact Stephanie Noriega at communitymatters@email.arizona.edu
A $10 administrative fee for each cancellation will apply.