Chris Azbell Shares Services Offered by Extension Office

By Chris Azbell March 6, 2024 When I used to ask my great grandpa what he was doing under that shade tree, oftentimes he would simply say, “I am just sitting here chewing the cud.” For those of you unfamiliar with this adage, it simply means pondering or ruminating over a topic. This could be an individual thinking about a personal issue or perhaps a group of people discussing current events. It is a reference from bovines or ruminants that literally chew a “cud” as part of their digestive process. Today, I am introducing this new monthly article from the College of the Muscogee Nation Extension Program that will focus on programmatic endeavors related to food sovereignty, food security, youth development, agriculture, and expansion of traditional ecological knowledge. Before I get ahead of myself, I need to introduce you to our new CMN Extension Program. The College of the Muscogee Nation is a 1994 Land Grant College with institutional requirements to focus on Education, Research, and Extension. This may sound familiar because we have two other land grant colleges in Oklahoma – Langston as a HBCU authorized under the Morrill Act of 1890 and Oklahoma State University under the Morrill Act of 1862. Interestingly, we are the only state in the union with three Land Grant institutions. For us, our new CMN Extension Program is funded under a National Institute of Food and Agriculture capacity grant for Tribal College Extension Programs. We started organizing a few months ago and are currently in the middle of the strategic planning process that will eventually produce a five-year strategic plan. With that said, our program is your program. We are developing CMN Extension in a way that will focus on customer service, reconnecting citizens to the land, nutrition enhancement, and cultural perpetuation. Each month, I will provide an update on agricultural happenings as well as lay out opportunities for you to get involved. Everyone has different interests and we want to give you opportunities to tap into your own creativity. Are you interested in bee keeping? Raised-bed gardening? Canning? Sewing? Gathering of wild onions? These are just a few of the programs that are on the horizon for Mvskoke citizens. If you are interested in any of these items or have ideas on how our new Extension Program can make a positive impact, please reach out to me at extension@cmn.edu. We are just getting started, so stay tuned with “Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension.”

CMN Extension 4/1

By Chris Azbell April 1, 2024 Hesci readers… It has been several weeks since I introduced CMN Extension’s “Chewing the Cud” newspaper series. I hope you enjoyed our inaugural article. With that said, there is quite a bit to talk about. First and foremost, I want to announce a new Farmer’s Market that will be held at Looped Square Meat Company starting Saturday, April 13. The event will take place on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. To 1 p.m. We are currently in need of new vendors and encourage anyone that would like to sell fruits, vegetables, or homemade goods to contact CMN Extension via email at extension@cmn.edu or by phone at 918.549.2861. The event will feature live music, kids activities, food trucks, and lots of “Made in Mvskoke Nation” vendors – MIMN. Although this is not an official designation, we are working on our own version of Made in Oklahoma. It would provide Mvskoke vendors with a marketable seal of authenticity. Something to ponder… Moreover, I remember going to farmer’s markets as a child. There is something magical about waking up on Saturday morning and walking through the row of vendors selling fresh produce. The smell of coffee emanating in the wind while a local performer strums his guitar to a recognizable tune. It becomes nostalgic like the memories of me getting a 32 cent pop at Kalka’s Quick Stop on Highway 9. It feels like a simpler time. Ultimately, the goal of our extension program is to promote community through the agriculture. I encourage citizens to stop by and join us in some good ol’ camaraderie. Life really is about making friends and creating lasting friendships. It drives us forward. In other news, the Extension Program recently purchased a large quantity of heirloom seeds from Clear Creek Seeds. We have a variety of free heirloom seeds for anyone looking to start a garden this spring. Please stop by the Extension Office to check out our supply. In the near future, we have plans to engage in a barnstorming tour through the communities to give out seeds and get people excited about gardening, farming, ranching and reconnecting to nature. Goal is to remove any roadblocks that prevent people from getting outside and making something grow. As you can see, we have been quite busy in the Extension Office. Feel free to stop by anytime and chew the cud. We are always ruminating.

Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program Offers Healthy Food Options

By Chris Azbell June 7, 2024 Hesci Readers….welcome to the third installment of Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension. This week I want to share some very important happenings in the realm of Senior Nutrition. If you are like me, you are probably not eating the proper amount of fruits and vegetables that is recommended for a balanced diet. In our modern world, we often opt for the easy culinary road…McDonalds, Burger King, or if you are from the 80s – a TV dinner. Perhaps, it is the impact of modernity, the fast-paced world that we live in. For those of you that really want to make a change and start focusing on your nutritional health without breaking the bank, the Oklahoma Local Agriculture Collaborative has rolled out the 2024 “Senior Farmers’ Market Nutritional Program”. If you are over the age of 55, Native American, and make less than $2,322 dollars a month, you are currently eligible for a one time fifty-dollar gift card. Non-Indians are also eligible but they must be 60 years or older. The card must be used at participating Farmers’ Markets located throughout the State of Oklahoma. Interestingly, many of the participating markets provide patrons an additional opportunity to “Double Up” resulting in the ability to purchase $100.00 in fresh produce. This is called the Double Up Oklahoma (DUO) program. CMN Extension learned about this amazing opportunity through our partnership with Oklahoma State University Extension and quickly recognized its potential positive impact on Mvskoke citizens. A number of staff members at the College of the Muscogee Nation have gone through the required training protocol and are currently approved to begin signing up eligible participants. Citizens can go to https://oklac.org/ and sign up directly or you can call CMN Extension at 918-549-2861 to sign up over the phone. We have already signed up several citizens and are eager to sign up more. This is truly an amazing opportunity to receive one hundred dollars in food benefits and gain access to more nutritious food. And that got me thinking….I think we all need to do a better job of focusing on our health in all aspects of our lives. My old friend used to say that you have to have balance between your mind, body, and spirit. A healthier person has a healthier perspective on life. I recently reduced my weight by 20 pounds and I can already feel my outlook on the world has changed. I have more energy, my attitude is better, and now I can even fit into some of my old clothes. Perhaps you can use this unique opportunity to jump start meaningful change in your life…..a life worth living.

Building Community Around Agriculture

By Chris Azbell Hesci readers….Hope you are resting up from a fun filled Mvskoke Festival. I can’t believe it is already over. Always seems to take forever to get here and it is gone before you know it. I guess, that is kind of like life. My grandma used to say, “Live it up. Treasure your friends and family. It goes by so quick.” In the spirt of her advice, I want to talk about building “community” around agriculture. Community is built via shared space, shared experiences, shared interests, and shared language. Over the last five months, I have taken the opportunity to speak with many Mvskoke citizens directly and there is an emerging trend that reflects a strong desire to engage in traditional agricultural activity. The world following the Covid-19 pandemic seems to have released the inner spirt of humanity to re-focus on the things that matter most such as food sovereignty, food security, and ending food scarcity. Remarkably, Mvskoke people have been doing these things since the beginning of time. Today, it is reflected in such activity as three sisters gardening, canning, gathering, aquaponics, hydroponics, ranching, and freeze drying to name a few. The issue that we have currently is that many people are several generations removed from what was once considered to be common knowledge. How do you properly can tomatoes? How do you pickle beets or cucumbers? How do you ensure food safety when engaging in food preservation techniques? As an Extension Coordinator of the College of the Muscogee Nation, my job is to bring this training and education directly to the people and that is exactly what I plan to do. Are you interested in bee keeping? Poultry management? Safe processing techniques and selling of chicken eggs? Regardless of the program, we will eventually have it available for you. The real challenge is prioritizing educational programs that will be immediately impactful and meaningful to the people. This is where I need your help. E-mail me your programming ideas: cazbell@cmn.edu. All ideas are accepted. Wild onion gathering. Blackberry harvesting. Jelly making. Cannister gardening. Cattle ranching. It could literally be anything agriculture related. The list of possibilities goes on and on. We just need your input. The CMN Extension Program is relatively new and we are currently laying out our programming schedule for the next year at this very moment. Now is the time to impact our decision making. At the end of the day, always remember that CMN Extension is your Extension. Let’s build some community together.

Food Sovereignty

By Chris Azbell Hesci readers….welcome back to our fifth edition of Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension. Today, I am dreaming big and want to take you down a path exploring the ideals of food sovereignty and food security. Right now, the majority of us buy a larger percentage of our “groceries” from large box stores like Walmart, Sam’s, or Costco. Over the last several decades, more and more people have become disconnected from the land to the point where most of us are completely dependent on a third party for basic sustenance. To me, that is quite precarious and downright scary. The Covid-19 pandemic showed the fragility of our food distribution system and I think it is time for us as a Nation to make concerted efforts to enter the realm of agribusiness. To flip the script on this slow erosion of our food sovereignty, I am imagining a complex system of food production that allows vertical integration to meet the needs and wants of Mvskoke citizens as well as our businesses. Farm to table operations. Can we produce at a scale that can feed our most food insecure citizens? Can we develop community gardens that supply food for already existing nutrition programs? Can we develop a Commodities or Food Cooperative where all citizens have an ability to sell their farm products? Instead of the Nation buying fresh fruits and vegetables from a third party, why can’t they buy it from our Food Cooperative? The answer to each of the aforementioned questions is quite simple: yes we can. USDA food distribution programs ran by the tribe are willing and able to purchase food items from Mvskoke producers. We simply need to go through the proper steps to ensure the demand can be met on a regular and consistent basis. To try this out, I am proposing the development of a community/student farm under the umbrella of the College of the Muscogee Nation and utilize existing resources to put forty acres in cultivation. This would be a test or research station that could be scaled and expanded to other tribally/citizen owned lands. The end goal is for Mvskoke citizens to produce agricultural commodities such as beef, chicken, peanuts, fruits, vegetables, etc..that can be sold to USDA funded programs at the tribe. The result of these efforts will allow us to keep the money in the Nation’s economy and develop a food production system that can be relied up on. Plus, we will know where the food comes from and what chemicals have been used in the process. The amazing thing about this plan is that it would not take too much effort to get it going. Moreover, all citizens can take part once the Mvskoke Food Cooperative has been established. The Coop would work directly with producers to meet the demand and fill available contracts. Small, family-owned farms will be the bread and butter of this arrangement. It will undoubtedly provide an economic boost to rural Mvskoke areas and more importantly allow citizens to put fallow land back into production. People often say, “if you can dream it, you can do it.” I agree wholeheartedly with that assessment. Let’s grow something big together.

Natural Resources Program

By Chris Azbell Hesci readers….welcome back to our sixth edition of Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension. Today, I want to highlight the Natural Resources Program at the College of the Muscogee Nation. The associates level degree program has been around since 2019 and there are two distinct specializations: Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture. The program has been quite successful producing fifteen graduates since its inception. In the world of Higher Education, the Natural Resources Program at CMN is in its infancy. It takes time to build a respected program that becomes highly sought out by potential students across the country. I use the term “build” because that is exactly what we are doing. Extension, Research, and Education go hand in hand in the world of land grant institutions. To take the program to the next level, we have to put all three legs of the land grant triangle into overdrive. We must recruit high end talent in key faculty positions that can build the next generation of tribal leaders, policy makers, and agricultural professionals. The system is in place, we simply need to ramp it up. The train is about to leave the station and now is the time to get on board because the College of the Muscogee Nation is soaring to new heights. Specifically, you can see the respect 1994 land grant institutions are garnering in the academic world. Collaborations, grant partnerships, and significant academic projects are on the rise. CMN is celebrating twenty years as an academic institution, and it is amazing how far the organization has come in two short decades. From the small confines of the old Social Security Administration building on Mission street in Okmulgee, Ok to the sprawling campus you see today, CMN is an institution to be reckoned with. As it relates to agriculture, CMN will provide the pipeline for our next community leaders, policy makers, and decision makers that will mold the future of the Muscogee Nation. CMN Extension will impact this pipeline through youth development, 4H, community enhancement, and empowerment. I encourage anyone that has a desire to be in the field of Natural Resources to go through the already established program at CMN. Let’s continue to build something together as CMN and the Muscogee Nation look to the future.

Growing Power Summit

By Chris Azbell Welcome back to another edition of “Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension”. This week, I want to bring your attention to our first annual conference centered around energy and agriculture that we have have titled, “Growing Power: A Climate, Nutrition & Food Sovereignty Summit”. It will take place on November 7-8, 2024, and will bring together indigenous leaders, agricultural experts, and climate activists from across the United States to address the urgent challenges of climate change, food security, and nutrition in Indian Country. The two-day event will be held at the College of the Muscogee Nation and is expected to draw participants from all parts of the region. Day one of the summit, on Thursday, November 7, will feature discussions on the history of unique corn varieties, the importance of pollinators to indigenous food systems, and the benefits of living off the grid. The afternoon will focus on the future of GMOs, the Oklahoma Mesonet as an agricultural resource, and the protection of water in Indian Country. The day will close with a unique networking event and dinner. Location TBD. On Friday, November 8, the summit continues with a discussion on combating obesity and diabetes through traditional alternatives and an urgent call to action to address climate change. The day will end with a speaker roundtable and networking lunch. With a packed agenda of presentations, roundtable discussions, and networking opportunities, the summit aims to empower participants to address the pressing issues of food sovereignty, climate resilience, and empowering our citizens to be successful in the new economy. To register for the event, please visit http://whova.com/portal/registration/falco_202410 or contact Christopher Azbell at 918-549-2861 or via email at cazbell@cmn.edu for more information. Limited spots available and the conference is free of charge.

CMN Extension to Develop Fact Sheets and Website Focused on Traditional Ecological Knowledge

By Chris Azbell December, 2024 Hesci readers, Happy Holidays and welcome back to another edition of “Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension”. Our Extension program is officially 12 months old and boy did we have a bumper crop this year. We went from not having a desk in November of 2023 to putting on a full food sovereignty summit in November of 2024. CMN Extension made some gigantic steps forward and is primed for a great year in 2025. As some of you may know, we have been working closely with Mvskoke Media to produce the first ever Mvskoke Gardening series featuring our very own, Ms. Courtney Natseway. Over the last year, we produced and released nine episodes comprised of horticultural information ranging from initial planting to harvesting to pest management to the importance of native pollinators. The series has been well received and we believe the sky is the limit as we inject creativity and new ideas into season 2. In 2025, the goal is to enhance the production by focusing on Mvskoke citizens. We want to highlight traditional ecological knowledge and focus on indigenous agricultural practices. The idea is to have an “Oklahoma Gardening” type of feel with a Mvskoke twist. The challenge is connecting to the various citizens who would like to share their knowledge on various practices. Do you have knowledge about Mvskoke peaches? Does your family use a special type of corn for sofkee? Do you have any historical context on the making of blue dumplings? Where do possum grapes grow? There is an amazing amount of information out there and some of it can be shared to educate the upcoming generations and preserve some of our historical agricultural practices. Eventually, the videos will be linked to our new website that is currently under development: www.extension.cmn.edu. The goal is to develop “fact sheets” on agricultural and horticultural related items that are important to the Mvskoke Nation. These have to be done in a cultural sensitive manner thus each fact sheet will be properly reviewed and vetted. For example, we have a plan to develop our first fact sheet highlighting “Yaupon – ilex vomitoria” and its connection to the Nation. This is the original caffeinated drink of North America and was especially important to the tribe. With that said, we need your help on developing ideas for the Mvskoke Gardening Series as well as making requests for the development of specific fact sheets through CMN Extension. Our goal is for CMN Extension to become an information clearinghouse for anyone doing basic research on Mvskoke related items. There are a number of wonderful things happening at CMN Extension, hope to have another fruitful year. Email questions or ideas to extension@cmn.edu.

Mvskoke Gardener Program: Empowering Communities Through Horticulture

By Chris Azbell January, 2025 Hesci readers and Happy New Year. The College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) Extension Program is proud to announce the start of the Mvskoke Gardener Program, a comprehensive nine-week course designed to empower participants with valuable horticultural skills, traditional ecological knowledge, and a deeper understanding of food sovereignty. Program Details: Duration: 9 weeks, every Tuesday and Thursday, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM Start Date: February 18, 2025 Location: College of the Muscogee Nation Campus – Classroom Building Cost: Free of charge Native Preference: Priority will be given to Native applicants. Limited space available.  Attendance Requirement: Participants must attend at least 80% of classes Completion Certificate: Awarded to qualifying candidates   Participants will explore a wide range of topics, including soil nutrition, greenhouse operations, composting, water sustainability, pest management, and the cultivation of Mvskoke medicinal plants. Each session will focus on practical knowledge and hands-on activities, ensuring attendees leave with both expertise and confidence. Class Topics Include: Soil Nutrition Greenhouse Operations Composting Techniques Water Quality and Irrigation Pest and Disease Management Mvskoke Medicinal Plants Orchards: Fruits and Nuts Hydroponics Seed Saving and Storing Pollinator Importance The program concludes with a post-test, course certification ceremony, and a celebratory dinner. Limited Space – Register Today! Space for the Mvskoke Gardener Program is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Interested participants can sign up by visiting www.extension.cmn.edu, navigating to the Events Tab, and following the registration instructions. For more information, contact Christopher Azbell at 918-549-2861 or via email at cazbell@cmn.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with tradition, sustainability, and community through the Mvskoke Gardener Program. Sign up today and grow your knowledge alongside your garden! Mvto.

March 2025

By Chris Azbell March, 2025 Hesci readers…welcome back to another edition of Chewing the Cud with CMN Extension. On this blustery March afternoon, I have been quite fixated on the idea of traditional ecological knowledge and how it can be shared to the masses in a self-perpetuating manner. How can we teach a topic that will in turn be shared and perpetuated without governmental intervention?  The answer is culture. When everyone does a particular thing or engages in a particular practice that is the essence of culture and cultural identity.  For CMN Extension, we are hyper focused on reconnecting people to the land to engage in traditional agricultural practices and bring about a Mvskoke food economy that lends itself to Food Sovereignty.  Right now, CMN Extension utilizes various avenues of education including a fully functional website (extension.cmn.edu), a monthly newspaper article via Mvskoke Media (Chewing the Cud), the Mvskoke Gardener Series (YouTube Series via Mvskoke Media with second season to begin in Spring), and the first ever Mvskoke Gardener Program (MGP) which is taking place right now at the College of the Muscogee Nation. CMN Extension is simply meeting the demand for agricultural education. The interest in sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty is growing exponentially and I believe the next step in this media conglomeration is to have a radio program and podcast. I am proposing to have a weekly radio program on Friday afternoon at KOKL 1240 The Brew that will feature various players in the Native American agriculture community who can provide some guidance to our interested citizens. Please stay tuned for our official launch date.  The conversational format of the show will be similar to “The Joe Rogan Experience” with open-ended questions and ability to delve deeper into important issues of the day. Listeners will be able to call in with specific questions for guests to ensure citizens are being engaged in a meaningful and impactful manner. Topics may include food and agricultural policy for the Nation, food sovereignty, horticulture, greenhouse management, climate change, global warming, seed saving/storing, food preservation, GMOs, and a host of other topics that are becoming increasingly important to Native Producers. Listeners will drive the guest lineup.  If you haven’t noticed, the world is changing.  Artificial Intelligence, drone delivery service, self-driving cars, internet/phone connectivity via star link, and the potential colonization of Mars are all real-life happenings. Agriculture allows us to connect to practices that are locked in time. You have to put a seed in soil to make it grow and that is one thing that I will always cherish as real. Let’s develop and drive our food system forward as a cultural movement rather than another top-down governmental initiative.