About Ashawaug Farm //

Ashawaug Farm is six acres of organically cultivated crops growing alongside woodlands and wild-growing fruits and herbs, rooted in rich Narragansett silt loam soil. The Farm sells a variety of products at their farmstand and at local farmers’ markets, including heirloom and culturally significant crops.

The land is protected by Dawn and Cassius Spears with the help of their children, grandchildren, and extended community of supporters.

Dawn Spears is a multimedia artist whose work is infused with cultural symbolism and the vibrant colors of our natural world, and farming is part of her art. She also supports the Indigenous artist community through facilitating art markets and other opportunities that increase the visibility and vitality of Indigenous arts and culture. Currently, Dawn is the Director of the Northeast Indigenous Agriculture and Arts Alliance.

Cassius Spears is an agricultural expert and cultural educator who is dedicated to the restoration and advancement of Indigenous agricultural knowledge and practice. He supports the Indigenous agricultural community through facilitating inter-tribal and tribal-USDA relationships, resource- and knowledge-sharing. Currently, Cassius is President of Rhode Island Association Conservation District. 

Both Dawn and Cassius are active members of the Narragansett Tribe.

About The Ashawaug Project //

The Ashawaug Project is the educational initiative of Ashawaug Farm, which integrates art and agriculture to expand knowledge of Narragansett foodways, support community health and cultural revitalization, and promote food sovereignty. The Project offers in-person and digital knowledge-sharing through educational workshops, events, videos, and other media. Alongside Dawn and Cassius Spears, the Project is produced by We Are the Seeds with funding from NDN Collective and Lush Cosmetics.