Winning Painting for 2008 NRCS American Indian Heritage Month Poster Announced

(from left) Louisiana NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Operations Ron Marcantel, Arkansas State Conservationist; Kalven L. Trice, Kathy Sturch, Oklahoma NRCS State Conservationist Ronald L. Hilliard, and Texas NRCS State Conservationist Don Gohmert, unveil the 2008 American Indian Heritage Month Poster  (NRCS image -- click to enlarge)

NRCS has announced the NRCS 2008 American Indian Heritage Month Poster winning painting by Oklahoma Choctaw Nation member Kathy Sturch of Durant, Oklahoma.

The painting, “Touch the Earth,” recalls the passion the Choctaw people have for creation and their kinship with the earth.

“The Choctaw people passionately love the earth. The ancient ones walked barefoot, sat, and lay on the ground because it was good to touch the earth.  The old Choctaw believed the Great Spirit created the earth and all the creatures that drink from her bounties and listen to her whispers.  The Choctaw’s passion and kinship with all creatures of the earth, sky, and water continues today.  The earth nourishes and provides for man.  Man must care for the earth and do it no harm.  If the earth dies, man dies,” Sturch said about the story behind the artwork.

Sixteen thousand copies of the poster will be distributed to all NRCS offices nationwide.  Distribution of the poster is part of the month-long event, held each November, to educate the public about the heritage, history, art and traditions of American Indians and Alaska Natives unveiled last month at the National Association of Conservation Districts conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Your contact is NRCS public affairs specialist Molly Voeller at 501-301-3133.