Watch Tending The Wild

Tending The Wild is a television series produced by KCET that explores the traditional ecological knowledge and techniques of indigenous peoples in California in managing and cultivating the ecosystem around them. It is a six-part series that highlights the importance of preserving the environment by understanding and respecting the natural processes that have been in place for generations.

The show explores different themes in each episode, ranging from the harvesting of acorns, the importance of fire management, the role of sages in the ecosystem, and the cultivation of fruit trees, to mention a few. Each episode consists of interviews with members of indigenous tribes, who share their knowledge, experiences, and traditions, offering viewers an insight into how they manage California's diverse landscapes.

In Tending The Wild, the series presents a rich tapestry of different native tribes and their cultures, including the Yurok, the Hupa, the Karuk, the Pomo, the Chumash, and the Tongva. Viewers witness the diverse ways in which these tribes coexist with the natural world and use traditional ecological knowledge and techniques to maintain their cultural heritage and balance the ecosystem.

The show highlights the importance of acknowledging and respecting indigenous people's knowledge and contribution to the environment. It shows how the knowledge of resources management has been passed down from one generation to another, going back hundreds of years, and how indigenous people have been the original stewards of the land.

The series also examines the impact of colonialism on indigenous lands and the loss of land and resources that occurred as a result. It explores how historic land management practices, such as grazing and deforestation, have disrupted the natural environment and harmed indigenous communities. Through interviews with academics and historians, the series provides a historical and cultural context for understanding these issues and their impact on both the environment and indigenous people.

One of the most compelling aspects of Tending The Wild is how it highlights the deep connection between indigenous people and the natural world. Viewers see how the traditional knowledge of indigenous people is based on close observation and interaction with the environment around them. The show emphasizes the importance of maintaining this connection and how it can inform modern-day approaches to resource management and conservation.

Overall, Tending The Wild is a fascinating and informative series that offers an insight into the knowledge, traditions, and practices of California's indigenous people. It provides a powerful message about the importance of cultural heritage and land management practices, both in the past and the present. By exploring the connection between indigenous people and the natural world, the show offers a unique perspective on conservation and the relationship between human beings and the environment.