Telling True Stories: The Seed Keeper

Featuring Diane Wilson
Author, Mdewakanton/Sicangu

Moderated by Christine Baeumler

Author Diane Wilson will share the true story of the Dakota women who inspired her new novel, The Seed Keeper. For many generations, Native women have protected indigenous seeds not only as a critical food for their families, but also as a precious relative whose gift of life has helped Native communities survive. As a gardener as well as through her work with Native organizations, for the past 20 years Wilson has helped preserve and restore indigenous seeds to Native communities. Drawing from this experience, Wilson wrote The Seed Keeper as a way to honor Native women and their commitment to keeping indigenous seeds safe for future generations. Wilson will share a brief talk and reading, followed by a moderated discussion with environmental artist, Christine Baeumler, that will explore the rich, compelling story of these seeds and the lessons they offer for us today. 

Diane Wilson is a Dakota writer whose new novel, The Seed Keeper, will be published by Milkweed Editions in Spring 2021. Her memoir, Spirit Car: Journey to a Dakota Past, won a 2006 Minnesota Book Award and was selected for the 2012 One Minneapolis One Read program. Her nonfiction book, Beloved Child: A Dakota Way of Life, was awarded the 2012 Barbara Sudler Award from History Colorado. Her work has been featured in many publications, including the anthology A Good Time for the Truth. Awards include the Minnesota State Arts Board, a 2013 Bush Foundation Fellowship, a 2018 AARP/Pollen 50 Over 50 Leadership Award, and the Jerome Foundation. Wilson has served as the Executive Director for Dream of Wild Health and the Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance. She is a descendent of the Mdewakanton Oyate and enrolled on the Rosebud Reservation.