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One Old-timer's Tale: Native American Traditions and the New Sustainability

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK 209970

He was standing at the door when I arrived. His smile was disarming. His eyes twinkled when he spoke. hickory nut forest waterfalls trailsHe was in town to teach an RLI Class. I'd heard about him and had chatted before, but I really hadn't had a chance to "sit down" for a talk with this Old-timer. A REALTOR® from " way back"  when "Sustainable or Eco- Community (in which our Firm specializes) didn't have a name yet, he came to Asheville to teach REALTORS® about The Land.

We covered a few questions, then I asked him what he thought about the Native American traditions and how they dove-tail with today's notions of the "Sustainable Community" to which he replied with a chuckle. 

"On my mother's side, my great-grandparents were Cherokee.Lived right near here. Native Traditions are part of my heritage," he told me.

 "Do those Traditions have an impact on his real estate practice today?"

"janeAnne, remember that it wasn't all that long ago that the voices of the  tribal council were heard in gathering places, just a few miles from here... in Hickory Nut Gorge! Back then the Native Tradition was to protect the hills, streams, wildlife, the mountains and the people who share Earth...like those eco-developer clients are doing at the conservation neighborhood, Hickory Nut Forest. "

(see photo , to your right, that JT took at what could have been a tribal council meeting spot along the path of the waterfalls at Hickory Nut Creek.)

"People gathered and listened, learned, and stayed informed, " he continued, " and back then, they demanded accountability from those to whom they gave decision-making authority."

"Yes. Accountability has been on my mind a good-deal these days," I replied. "Good to take the time to do some research and educate yourself, I think.

How about YOU?" 

IF you are relocating to Asheville or already live here and would like to know more about how native traditions can come to bear in contemporary life, here are some Community Resources that may interest you: 

Save Treasured Rivers

From the French Broad River to the rushing rapids and meandering streams that touch Georgia's rivers and serve as sources for clean drinking water and pleasant sites for fishing, camping and hiking a call comes for help. You can help them thrive.

RiverLink

  RiverLink's Muddy Water Watch trains citizens to recognize erosion control violations and how to report those violations. First trainings begin in November. Contact: riverkeeper@riverlink.org 

  The Green Building Council

The WNC Green Building Council is proud to announce that the nation's first locally based carbon offset program, Appalachian Offsets,  Whether you are a business, individual or part of a group such as a church, homeowner's association or employees of a business, you can do your part to combat global climate change TODAY!

Green Walk-about

One of the best times imaginable can be arranged for "free." Learn about Warren Wilson College's sustainable campus practices. On my walk-about, I visited the EcoDorm, the LEED-designed Orr Cottage, and edible gardens. I got better acquainted with the farm and why it received the county's "River-Friendly Farm Award."  Master Gardener's, State's Park Scholars, REALTORS® working toward their ECO designation, and community leaders all recommend this adventure.

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Comments (12)

Dena Stevens
Rocky Mountain Realty - Canon City, CO
Putting The Real Into Realtor Since 2004

"People gathered and listened, learned, and stayed informed, " he continued, " and back then, they demanded accountability from those to whom they gave decision-making authority."

Wouldn't the world be a different place if we all did this!

May 29, 2008 07:53 AM
Diane Aurit
LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC
Lake Norman Real Estate

I think it is so important to not just learn but take responsibility for help teach others about your new home's history.  I am quite involved in the historic preservation efforts in my new home town!  Great post as always!

May 29, 2008 09:55 AM
Joan Whitebook
BHG The Masiello Group - Nashua, NH
Consumer Focused Real Estate Services

We can learn so much from people like your "old timer".  Unfortunately, we do not revere the sages among us in our country.  What a great perspective the "old timer" has -- and so much to offer!

May 29, 2008 02:32 PM
Lola Audu
Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate - Grand Rapids, MI
Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI ~Welcome Home!

I too was struck by the phrase about people demanding accountability.  The native wisdom of the elders is something to cherish and take to heart.  Thank you for sharing this post with your friends on Fraiche Aire.

May 29, 2008 02:35 PM
Dale Baker
Baker Energy Audits and Commercial Properties Inspections - Claremont, NH
New Hampshire Relocation Real Estate Information

Howdy JaneAnne

If folk's would just take the time to study, learn, and listene to Native Traditions. They would find a much better world.

I have always lived as one with Mother Earth.

God Bless The U.S.A.

May 31, 2008 01:30 PM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Dena~

I've been thinking a good deal about accountability and participation of late. So many of our clients here in Asheville are very desirous of "green" possibilities ..they want to know how having such features in their homes is a big plus...

some builders are taking this into consideration...possibly the accoutability bug is "buzzing" them, too.

Jun 01, 2008 07:15 AM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Diane~

I want to hear more about your historic preservation activities! I love the idea of stewardship and find THAT aspect of stewardship fascinating. When will you write a post ??

Jun 01, 2008 07:17 AM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Joan~ 

You  bring up a very interesting point: "Unfortunately, we do not revere the sages among us in our country..." Do you think that we are on the brink of learning about "sustainability" and the value of treasuring?..Maybe with "green" awareness will come a new respect for the sages...hope so...

Jun 01, 2008 07:19 AM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Lola~

people demanding accountability...yes...so much media attention to this these days...how it affects the larger picture (politics,nations) ...how it affects real estate (mortgages and loans)...hopefully we have a self-correcting mechanism built in...

Jun 01, 2008 07:23 AM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Dale~ 

You commented, " I have always lived as one with Mother Earth..." I would like to hear more about this...and how it applies to your work as an appraiser...and how it could apply to the work of real estate professionals, in general.

Jun 01, 2008 07:25 AM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

Asheville sounds like a very forward thinking community.  How lucky you are.

Jun 01, 2008 08:17 PM
ASHEVILLE REALTY REFERRAL RESOURCE 828-776-0779
REAL ESTATE REFERRAL NETWORK - Asheville, NC
CONTACT janeAnne365@gmail.com

Georgina~

Now if we could just combine all the positives in both our locations...we would probably have heaven on Earth =)

Jun 02, 2008 01:18 AM