This free online mini-conference features 10+ inspiring speakers sharing about why corn is a special being and is deserving of respect

Corn (Zea mays, also known as maize) is a plant of great importance in many cultures and economies worldwide. However, corn is special for many reasons besides this plant’s well-known productivity and corn’s widespread use for human and animal food as well as for energy and industrial uses. Corn was first developed by the Indigenous peoples of Mexico thousands of years ago and has a long and important history of strong connection with the peoples of the Americas who consider corn as an ancestor, teacher, partner, giftgiver, and spiritual being. Corn has become important for many people in non-Indigenous cultures as well. However, typically, corn is often used in the dominant culture just for human purposes without the sense of respect, reciprocity, and appropriate use with which corn was originally developed, and without appreciating the unique being that corn is.

The goal of this free online mini-conference is to encourage all groups of people to consider corn as a being deserving of more respect. The event features a diverse group of inspiring speakers who will speak on behalf of corn and why this plant being is important as well as how they feel that corn should be treated. They each bring their own perspective about this plant, but what they have in common is a sense of appreciation and care for corn which they will share with you in this unique event.

The presenters are: Mary Anne Quiroz, Executive Director, Indigenous Roots; Gustavo Romero, Chef/owner Oro by Nixta y Nixta Tortilleria; Zachary Paige, Farmer & Sustainable Ag & Food Systems Coordinator – NW RSDP; Hope Flanagan, Community Outreach and Cultural Teacher, Dream of Wild Health; David Abazs, Farmer, Round River Farm & Exec Dir, NE RSDP – UMN Extension; Milford Calamity, Diné (Navajo) Jeweler; Robin Wall Kimmerer, Author, Scientist, and Professor; Frank Kutka, Adjunct Lecturer, College of Menominee Nation; Walter Goldstein, Executive Director, Mandaamin Institute; LoriAnn Bird, Author, Herbalist, and Educator; and Rebecca Krinke, Professor of Landscape Architecture, UMN. The panel moderators are: Dr. Kate Brelje, St. Bonaventure University; Dr. Dan Philippon, University of Minnesota; and Dr. Nick Jordan.

Each of the three speakers in the panel will give 12 minute presentations, followed by 15 minutes of questions and answers from the audience directed at any or all of the panelists. So each panel will run for about an hour, with the program lasting three hours. This live event will also be recorded and will be available for free viewing online afterwards on The Plant Initiative’s YouTube channel.

A Zoom link to the live program will be sent to participants before the event. Audience members are welcome to participate in any portion(s) of the program that they would like, and to watch the recording later for anything that they might have missed, which they would like to watch again, or to share with others.