SSW Solstice For Real Part 1: Land Back Walk 2026
Solstice for Real: Land Back Agenda
10:30 a.m. - noon Land Back walk
Noon - 1:45 p.m. Light lunch catered by Masa Mexicano
2 - 4 p.m. Panel and discussion
Meet at the Smith College Boathouse at 10:30 a.m. An opportunity to ground into the land that supports us at Smith College on a connective nature walk led by local Penobscot mother, naturopathic physician, ethnobotanist and traditional birthworker, Jus Crea Giammarino. Giammario will help us connect to and (re)member the natural plant and animal relatives that are part of our community, so that we may know them more and grow closer to them.
After the walk, enjoy the second part of the solstice celebration in Neilson Library: lunch at noon, and Land Back panel at 2 p.m.
Accessibility Accommodations
The trail is easy to moderate with at least one small gradient hill. Accessible options are available for those who would like to join. For disability access information or accommodation requests, call or email Erin Acuff at 413-585-7977 or sswdean@smith.edu with the subject line “[Event Name] Accessibility Request.” To request a sign language interpreter, email arc@smith.edu at least two full weeks before the event.
Presenter bio:
Raised with her Penobscot culture and Native American spiritual practices, Jus Crea Giammarino, ND realized the healing powers of nature at a young age. She received a certificate in herbal therapeutics and attended the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies. She received a bachelors of science from UMass Amherst in ethnobotany and holistic health, graduating magna cum laude from the Honors College. Here she also received a certificate in Native American studies as well as completing premedical coursework. She went on to receive a doctorate in naturopathic medicine from the University of Bridgeport, College of Naturopathic Medicine graduating at the top of her class earning the award for academic excellence in naturopathic medicine. She completed an advanced externship in pediatrics, women’s health, and family medicine as well as receiving advanced training in Sankaran Homeopathy. She became an acupuncture detoxification specialist at the Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Hospital in Bronx, NY and a certified practitioner in WTS Therapy.
Giammarino has lectured extensively on Native American herbology and leads ethnobotanical tours. She teaches Native American cultures, histories and traditions. Previously she taught nutrition at Springfield College and was a primary care physician in Brattleboro, VT. Currently Giammarino practices Naturopathic Medicine in Springfield, MA treating people of all ages.