Greetings Kebtah Community,

Last month, we relaunched our membership to move forward as ‘Kebtah Community’ with the mission that our founder Neb Naba Lamoussa Morodenibig gave us of ‘Living Harmoniously on Earth’. 

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In this edition, we review our recent community Forum on Food Security and Sovereignty that begins a dialogue on the challenges we and our families face along with approaches for better nourishment. To complement the forum, we feature member articles, a podcast and other references that continue our journey to raise our collective understanding of our food systems with practical experience of reconnecting with our land and food.

Also new in your membership area (https://www.theearthcenter.org/login), you will see an overview of the Seeds of Indigenous Life (‘SOIL’) project (in Kebtah Projects), and the Annual Temple Divination for Sidereal Calendar year 423 to help our community better harmonize with the forces and energies that are present during this period (in Newsletters).

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Our community is gathering online for the upcoming Forum on Saturday December 16^th where we move from the topic of nourishing ourselves with food to nourishing our minds with the Knowledge Economy to Preserve our Future. You’ll receive an email with further details about how to join this discussion on the challenges of modern education for our children and how Indigenous education invests early and often to prepare the future leaders of humanity.

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In the words of the Sovereign Divinity in the annual Temple Divination (see above), “And you must have cohesion, with cohesion, even if you are hungry you don't feel the hunger, even if you struggle, you won’t feel the struggle.” So may our actions bring us cohesion in our lives and our community.

Biksaa NesSebik

On behalf of the Kebtah Community Team

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Food Security and Sovereignty Forum

We appreciate all 66 people who attended and contributed to the Food Forum. Our energies were present around the globe from San Diego to New Zealand. With over 100 people registering, we know that natural healthy food and a way of life connected to Mother Earth are close to the heart of our community.

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So, what did you say are some of the challenges that we face?

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In summary, less access to real locally grown food and land troubles us and our children 

and… industrial farming and distribution dictates and deteriorates our food and our health. For the details of what was shared see the full article in the members area https://www.theearthcenter.org/login

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So, what practical solutions are emerging from our community?

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In summary, when you don’t take care of your health, you’ll take time for your sickness

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• Only eat what’s in season
• Educate our youth in where food comes from, what’s in it and how to grow it
• Everyone should plant something from seeds. If indoors, instead of ornamental plants, try to grow some with food such as sweet or hot peppers and spices
• Incorporate more healthy ingredients in your cooking such as: detoxifying ginger, black pepper and garlic. Find and cook with meats that are less tampered with such as rabbit and duck vs chicken, pork and beef. Reduce consumption of oils and cheeses
• Seek out local farmers and oriental markets that supply more natural ingredients
• Seek out garden-able land or food forests available in your local communities or bring people together to start one.

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In addition, we spoke about Kebtah’s Seeds Of Indigenous Life (SOIL) Project and our plans to expand the one hectare vegetable farm to a ten hectare regional indigenous farm and live seed bank in Bonangana, Togo, West Africa. A project overview is in the Kebtah Projects Section of the Members area (https://www.theearthcenter.org/login. To know more or if you wish to contribute now or in the future please contact us at projects@theearthcenter.org and donations are welcome to support this project https://www.irikebtah.org/donate-1

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Your comments and suggestions help us to evolve this Community and the Forum, so please do email us on membership@theearthcenter.org.

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May we continue to share experiences, research and actions that inspire us towards greater responsibility and ownership of our food sources and our connection with the land that nourishes us.

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Members speak of returning to Living and Farming close to the land……..

Cultivating a Bounty with Heirloom Seeds and Natural Farming

by Herushafi Pernebsati

In a small 8x8 raised bed, Herushafi Pernebsati took his first steps into gardening, planting tomatoes and peppers. Despite his initial uncertainty, the garden flourished, yielding delicious produce and igniting a passion for cultivating his own food. From an 8x8 bed to four 4x8 raised beds and a sprawling 1500 square feet of cultivated land, to the discovery of the best seeds farming has to offer, Herushafi's commitment to sustainable agriculture and recovering his ancestral ways knows no bounds. His next endeavor involves delving into the realm of natural farming, a practice distinct from organic farming. Embracing nature's provisions, natural farming encompasses techniques like composting, soil-building, and crafting nutrient-rich teas for plants. Herushafi insists that what society labels "Korean Natural Farming" is simply a return to the roots of natural agriculture.

For a deeper dive into Herushafi's remarkable gardening journey and insights into the world of natural farming, read the full article in the Articles section of the members area https://www.theearthcenter.org/login

Indigenous Life and Farming: Seeds of Indigenous Life (‘SOIL’) Project 

by Maaktepia Meznebsati

In this podcast, Biksaa Nessebik hosts a two-part conversation with Maaktepia Meznebsati, who is the Houston Kebtah Temple Head Merr and serves as the Chair of Kebtah’s Indigenous Renaissance Initiative (‘IRI’). Maaktepia delves into his indigenous upbringing in the abundant lush natural environment of Cameroon, providing context for Kebtah's Indigenous farming project named Seeds of Indigenous Life (‘SOIL’) in Togo, West Africa. This IRI initiative seeks to embrace indigenous farming practices and preserve the ancestral harmonious ways of life against the destructive advances of industrial chemical farming to natural ways of life.

Part 1

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NpC00hQrf0DNaPgEzCbVY

Part 2

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7x0gKIaiwEB515uEmmDP5k?si=85edcbebdb57478a

Food and Farming - Living the Ranch Life: A Journey with Kadee Imenuwat

Meet Kadee Imenuwat, a proud graduate of the San Diego temple, now residing with her husband on a picturesque ranch in Santa Rosa, CA.  When it comes to the age-old battle between local farms and industrial giants, Kadee stands firm in her belief that the essence of small-scale farming will endure. Consumers crave the touch of real hands behind their food, valuing quality and authenticity.  In her corner of Northern California, Kadee observes a vibrant community of small-scale ranchers and farmers dedicated to producing fresh, organic delights. The accessibility of locally sourced beef, poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables is remarkable, with many opting for farmers markets or local distributors. Kadee envisions a return to farming and ranching, where individuals may forsake conventional professions for the allure of the cowboy lifestyle.

For the full interview and an inspiring glimpse into Kadee's ranching journey, read the full article in the Articles section of the members area. https://www.theearthcenter.org/login.

Kemetic Proverb

One should not drop their old calabash looking for the basket of another