Join us for a thought-provoking panel on piñon, wild foraging, and ecological stewardship, weaving together insights from three unique perspectives that bring cultural, ecological, and personal connections to the topic, with:
Peggy Darr, Biologist with Defenders of Wildlife, Star Not Afraid, Hopi Performance Artist and Multi-Generational Piñon Gatherer, and Gina Rae La Cerva, Author of Feasting Wild.
Free and Open to the Public
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Santa Fe is proud to present a panel discussion on Saturday, December 7, at 4:00 PM, focused on piñon, wild foraging, and ecological stewardship. Held within the evolving exhibition Natalia Pereira: a birth – I can’t stop, the event brings together voices from conservation and Indigenous communities who share profound, lived relationships with piñon trees, foraging traditions, and the natural world.
This year marks a significant piñon harvest, a rare event in the trees’ irregular cycles of abundance, which typically occur every 4 to 7 years. The last major harvest was in 2020, and part of the wonder lies in the unpredictability of these coordinated masting events. To celebrate this natural phenomenon, artist and chef Natalia Pereira will offer a special tasting featuring wild-foraged piñon nuts, providing a sensory connection to the themes of the discussion.
Attendees are invited to explore the rich intersection of diverse ways of knowing—bridging cultural, ecological, and personal perspectives on piñon ecosystems and the practices that sustain them. The discussion will feature insights into the cultural, ecological, and personal connections to piñon ecosystems and the practices that sustain them.
Peggy Darr, New Mexico Representative for Defenders of Wildlife, brings over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation, land management, and ecosystem restoration across various states, including New Mexico. She will discuss the endangered Pinyon Jay and its essential role within piñon ecosystems, providing insights into ongoing conservation efforts and highlighting the interconnectedness of wildlife, plant life, and the unique landscapes of the Southwest. (defenders.org)
Star Not Afraid, a Hopi performance artist and multi-generational piñon gatherer, will share knowledge and practices surrounding traditional piñon gathering within his community. For Not Afraid, gathering piñon is both a cultural tradition and an essential relationship with the land, rooted in Indigenous technology that merges contemporary art and traditional ceremony. His approach reflects a vital commitment to ecological care, sustained by teachings that honor the interconnectedness of people and nature.
Gina Rae La Cerva, a geographer, environmental anthropologist, and award-winning writer originally from Santa Fe, is the author of Feasting Wild: In Search of the Last Untamed Food. Her work explores the relationship between humans and wild foods, advocating for sustainable practices that honor ancient foodways and support biodiversity. La Cerva will reflect on her experiences with wild foods and foraging as a way of reconnecting with nature, fostering a renewed respect for the landscapes that nourish us. (ginaraelc.com)
Through this conversation, ICA Santa Fe seeks to create space for the public to engage in meaningful dialogue about the interconnectedness of culture, ecology, and community. The panelists will share knowledge from diverse perspectives, inviting participants to deepen their understanding of the complex relationships between people, plants, animals, and ecosystems.
“This discussion on piñon and wild foraging is a vital opportunity to learn from those whose lives and work are closely intertwined with these practices,” said Chiara Giovando, Director of ICA Santa Fe. “It reflects our commitment to fostering a community that values the relationships between culture, ecology, and art.”
Event Details
What: Panel Discussion on Piñon and Wild Foraging
When: Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 4:00 PM
Where: ICA Santa Fe, 906 S. St. Francis Drive, Santa Fe, NM 87505
Cost: Free and open to the public
This event is free and open to all, welcoming community members, environmental advocates, artists, and anyone interested in sustainable practices, Indigenous perspectives, and conservation.
