Summary
The USSEE invites members to join the Winter Book Club featuring Fresh Banana Leaves by Jessica Hernandez. The virtual discussion will be held on January 16th at 12pm EST, hosted by USSEE Past President Laura Schmitt Olabisi. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. https://ussee.org/event/winter-book-club-fresh-banana-leaves-by-jessica-hernandez/
USSEE Winter Book Club
Fresh Banana Leaves: Winter Book Club Selection
The USSEE invites you to begin reading “Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes Through Indigenous Science” by Jessica Hernandez for our Winter Book Club. We will meet virtually on January 16th at 12pm EST for a lively discussion hosted by USSEE Past President Laura Schmitt Olabisi.
Registration is required to receive Zoom link.
Excerpt from the Book
"Indigenous peoples know that Western way of thought has also taught us that we are separate from nature. Nature is viewed for its value, whether it is economic, or for its beauty, a beauty that is rooted in the Western notion of pristine wilderness. However, both values that we continue to place on nature and its resources continue to separate us from it. These economic values (natural capital) are the main reasons why coffee and banana plantations were introduced in El Salvador. Capitalism, coupled with natural capital, is also what pushed these landowners to further exploit and oppress Indigenous peoples to generate more profits. All of these things combined created these social divides that pushed poor, working-class, and Indigenous peoples to start organizing to revolt and fight for their rights."
