About

The Indigenous Community Garden At Virginia Tech

The Indigenous Community Garden was established in the Spring of 2014 through the collaborative efforts of Victoria Ferguson (Monacan Indian Nation), Dr. Jeff Kirwan (Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians), Dr. Sam Cook, and Dr. John Gailbrath. The name of the Indigenous Community Garden at Virginia Tech is the Indigenous Community Garden, abbreviated as ICG. This name was selected and approved by consensus among the members of the Indigenous Alliance at Virginia Tech, active student members of Native@VT, and the Indigenous and Native alumni of Virginia Tech. The ICG consists of a plot measuring approximately 60 feet by 60 feet, which is about two-thirds the size of a baseball diamond. The ICG location is at the Turfgrass Research Center, 615 Southgate Drive, Virginia Tech.

Mission of the Indigenous Community Garden

The mission of the Virginia Tech Indigenous Community Garden is to foster community and build relationships while conserving Indigenous holistic regenerative agriculture techniques. The garden provides a space where individuals from diverse backgrounds can unite to advance nation-building, promote health and well-being, and advocate for restorative justice initiatives within foodways. Serving the Indigenous community at Virginia Tech, the communities of Yesáh, and other Indigenous Nations, the Indigenous Community Garden embodies Virginia Tech's motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

The Indigenous Community Garden Bylaws and Guidelines