Episode 27: Hemp Production in Shiprock

Wósdéé Podcast

In this episode I talk to Kyle and Breanna about Dineh Benally’s hemp production in Shiprock, Navajo Nation. Breanna is a graduate student in Public Health, a farmer, and community advocator. Kyle is a community organizer where he is currently working on reintroducing healthy foods. He has been on the podcast before. Both are community members of Shiprock who have been watching and organizing against the hemp production in their community.

Hemp was introduced in their agricultural community three years ago by Dineh benally. We look at how he used the local farm board as well as his use of economic development and sustainability arguments to initiate the production. We discuss the tensions that have materialized because of its production. The two make it clear that they are not against the plant itself but they practice they deem as unethical for its labor issues, land/water use, and the lack of accountability on Dineh Benally’s part. Finally, we discuss what sustainable futures they hold for their community of Shiprock.

Thank you for listening, this is the Wosdee podcast.

Music: @PurpleCatsinSlacks