About Issi
Mission
We work to provide high quality, accessible ecological and Indigenous rooted agricultural education to the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Vision
We envision a future where first time farmers and gardeners are connected to traditional ways of farming and ecological restoration that support regenerative forms of agriculture.
Our Values
Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing are valuable and rooted in traditional forms of living with the land.
BIPOC, queer, and trans people are priority populations that are at the center of our work.
Regenerative practices lead to healthier land and healthier people.
Connecting young and first time farmers to education increases food access to communities.
Where We Are Now
We could use your help getting started! We’re raising $2,000 to cover our fees to establish ourselves as a 501c3 nonprofit.
Want to get updates about our progress? Follow our Executive Director on Substack.
What does “Issi” mean?
Issi is the Chahta anumpa (Choctaw language) name for deer. We see deer as the citizens of the forest and relatives to be loved and cherished. They give their gifts to us, whether that’s meat or beauty or “pruning service,” and we can give back to them by ensuring that there’s space for them to care for their young, healthy food to fill their bellies, and somewhere safe to lay their heads. This reciprocal relationship is something we hold as a core tenant of our lives.
“I have a core memory of bowing to a deer I encountered in the forest and her bowing back. I was convinced she was supernatural, but I think we just saw each other’s personhood and value.”
– Rain Black, Executive Director
The logo is based on a historic south eastern deer mask. It includes seven points on the horns for the 7 Tsalagi (Cherokee) clans. The two symbols between the horns are ᏕᏕ which is part of the Cherokee syllabary and would sound like dede (deh-deh). The only two words in Tsalagi (at least in the Tsalagi dictionary) that start with those two syllables are student and teach.
Issi 