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Home , Corn soup, Flint corn, Pottage, Samp, Sweet corn

The Three Sisters Exploring an Garden

Marcia Eames-Sheavly

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' I, ' ': A Cornell Cotqwative Extension Pu 4-H Leader'sfluImhfs Guide i&LMts Contents

3 lhehSisks A Planting System Am

5 lhe Need for Dtvwslty Diversity All mdYou

7 Digging Deeper: Getting to Know Sister Corn An A--lng

to FDDdsPrepared kwn Com Inquois White CmIn My Kiwhen

Ig Other UswofCom

15 AmI$?S A hirg History: CwtducP an Interview Corn DBlts Explorins 'Ihree Sisters Math Corn Relay OkAdvites

19 ExperImce an Iquols Garden How to Plant the Three slsm The Three Sisters in a Wet A Commlrnity Plmtiq u For More Information sou= RtxoUrca aj 7he lime Sisters: Wman Iwois Garden MedmEvaluation uman culture and hordculm Experiential Lemming they are so closely tied1 Horoicul- At the bglnnlng or each United States. They have tureisrheart~xiellceof activity you will see bulleted been adapted to other age gmwing frults, flm,and veg- lists that describe the life pups as well. Ywr chal- etables. It is a practice in which people from skills and project skills to be lenge will be to lead as all dtures of the world have been absorbed highlighted. The activities are needed while encouraging for thousands of years. What better way to ideal for helping youth ages young people to explore the Im about a soclety than to explore the way nine ro rwelve learn about activlty, leam from the that people grow and use fdl native culmre through experience, and share thelr In thls proJect, you will do just tltat. By gardening in informal graups results and observations; lodcing at an Iroquols gardening method, yuu such as 4-H clubs, school- please use the experiential will gain a better view of Native American aged child care setting, Imming model below as culture. ExpIoring the foods, the customs, and other informal educational your example for this the stories that evolved from the plmtlng of environments, home school- process. You will be influen- or corn, beans, w nd squash--the Three Slsters- ins school classrooms. rial in helping youth see how The activities were pilot these Lire skills can lx will help you understand the values that tested throughout New York applied to other situation* surround these crops. State in these diverse an important pan of this Planting these three mtlve crops wlB help educational surroundings and process. Most important, you become familiar with a crop management in many locations across the have fun! system practiced by the Imuois people. By De experimentiq with an Iroquois gaden, you will learn some bask plant breeding concepts and see how crops respond to king planted twther. You will also learn about the need for plant diversity and the Importance of saw diffemt plant species. Perhaps most importantly, you will learn about sweral different types of corn and why this plant has been so honored by the Iroquois. The Iroquois people a* mnlly a confed- eracy of six nations: the Mohawk. OmiQ1. Ommdap, Cayuga, m,and Tuscarora. Native Americans call themselves the Haudenosaunee, meaning "people of the langhouse."The wotd iraquois, which was used by the Fmch to describe them, has becwne most familiar today and wiH be used In thls publication. Farming and plant breedinxj wem not neces- sarily "m'swork' In fact, among many Native Amerkms, such as the Sama, the plant breeders and farmers have mditiondty been women The Three Sisters

A Plantins System or hilled, around the corn Corn, beans, and squash are plants. When the corn is consider4 by the lroquois to about 4 to 6 inches high, be special gifts from the bean and squash are Great Spirit. The well-being planted in the hills. Bean of each crop is believed to seeds are placed in each hill, be protected by one of the and squash is planted in Three Sisters, spirits that are about every seventh hill. The collectively called De-o-ha- three crops grow together ko. This word means "our for the remainder oC the sustainers,"or "those who season. support us." lnterptanting has many The Three Sisters system advantages. lroquois farmers refers to the planting of adapted this ecolagical corn, pole beans, and squash planting method to meet the or pumpkins together in hills. needs of their crops and The practice of planting their people. Interplanted more than one type of crop crops are not as attraczive to together is called interplant- pests, while large plantings The planting of corn, beans, ing. Although this planting of one crop tend to have and squash has been more system is not common in the more pest problems. The than a gardening activity for United States today, it is in hills provide support around the Iroquois. The Three fact a well-thought-out !he base of the plants, so Sisters system also has growing method that is used they are not as prone to provided a varied diet, damage from wind. Also, extensively in other coun- keeping the people healthy tries such as Mexico. Inter- interplanting helps create a for hundreds of years. uniform stand of corn. The planting is corning back into Customs, stories, myths, and corn forms a support for the favor for some crops because legends have surrounded the farmers are finding that large beans, and the squash covers agriculture of the Iroquois. the soil. helping to control plantings of one crop can Many customs have been weeds. have some major disadvan- carried on as a means oC tages. Beans are in the legume respecting and honoring the In the Three Sisters planting family, and legumes take piants that have given life to system, raised areas are nitrogen from the air and the lroquois culture. In short. made about 3 feet apart. convert it into a form that the Three Sisters system has both within and between plants can use. This is helped support a culture rows. Several seeds of corn important, because corn whose people have used the are planted in small holes demands a fairly high land without destroying it. and covered. As the emerg- amount of nitrogen. The ing corn plants are weeded, nitrogen "left" in the hill by the soil is gently mounded, the beans is available for next year's corn crop. This is one reason the lroquois planted in the same hills for several years. mil ~'i.-; The~stoy,encidedm~sPm,"wds~by~Thormu~[=omruallI~,Crmado. bkwwdabdwcwnplledb.9snrdentsat--,Tolmuo,CaMda.Osaof- m~~,wask~p~Jwlegendinu~tofmpect.

three sisttrs who Idtogether in a fkld. whowasdtedinyeUowandwhoalmyswand to run away. %e I& no mark dher going, but it These sisters were quite dkth one an- otherin&irsiKdhintheitwayofctressmg. may have beenthat shesetherkecin rhe rn-in tradrs of the little Indian bay. Ont ofthe bwiw a little sister, so young that she could only crawl at Arst, and she was ddNow there w;s but one of the sisters teft. Tall arad ingru?n,Theseconddthechreeworeafmckd ma&tshedmthefieldnotonc;ebowingha bright yellow, 4she had a way of running dby head with sorrow, but it seemed to her that she he~elfwhenrhesunshme andthe& windblew cwld not live there alone. The days g~wshorter in her face. The third was the kktsister, stand- and the nights were co&. Her ~~l Med ing always very straight and tall above the other and grew thin and dd. Her hair, once long and sistenr and rrylng to guard them. She wore a pale golden,wastangldby the wind. Day and ni&tshe green shawl, adshe had long, yellow hair that sghed for her sisters to retum w her, but they did &ht herhd in the breezes. not hear her. Her voice when she tried w cat1 to Think abut the fallowing them wslow and plaintive like the wind. quescims: There wasonly one way in which the thrPesiscers I w~wedike.~eylovedaneanocherve~~dmrly,Butonedapwhenitwasthemdtheharvcst, = How dM you feel when the andtheywerencversepamtdTheyweresure thelideIndianboyheardtheuvingofchethird sisters left, one by one? that they would not be able to Live apart. sister who had kei~I& to moum thwin the field. Did you notice anythlng After awhile a manger came to the f~ldof rhe He €eltm-iyforher,and hetdher inhii armsand significant abwr the order medher to the lodge of his father and tnother. three sisrers, a Little Indiihy.Hewasas straight In which the sisters [eft? Oh what a surptise awaited her there! Her two lost as an arrnw and a hrksas the eagle dmcircled Can you remember the sisters were there in the lodge of the tittle Indian - the sky abwe his head. He hew the way d legend and share It with a boy, deand very glad to see her. They had been talking to the bdand the small bmksdrhe friend? arth,rhcduew,ihchipmunk,andthe~ yarngabwtLhcindhhpd*hPd~ him to see he foxes, Adthe three skms, the one who was just hwne with how d where lived. able ta crawl, the one in the yellow frd,d the They had liked his warm cavesowell that they had now that was coming on to stay ane with &flowing hair, were wry much inter. decided winter withhim.Andthqmdoingd1they cauldmbe ested in the little Irsdian boy. They watched hm I lithjsartowinhisbow,~whim~abowlwith useful. stone went ar littte sister green, now quite grown up, was ' his knife, and wondered where he The in night. helping to keep the dinner ptfull. The sism in yellow sat on the dry~ngherself, for she hein summer of the first coming of the Indian &If planned to fill rhe dinner pot later. The third sister by to their field, one of the duee sisters dkp pearedThiswasthe~sisterin~,thejoined hem, ready tr, grind areal for the Indian by. And the three were nwer separated again. sistm who auldonly seep. She was scarcely able to ssrand k in the field unless& had a stick to Every chiid ol whyknow these sisters d needs whichshedung, Hersisteffrmwmedfor herunril them just as much as the little Indian bydid For the fall, but she did not mum. the little sister in green is the bean. Her sister in yellow is rhe squash, and the elder sister with long Once more the Xndian boy came mdw field ofrhe flowing hair of yellow and the green shawl is the three sisters. He meto gather reeds at the edge corn. dasmam nearby to makearrow shafrs. The two sisters who were I& watched him and gaed with -A Mohawk legend wonder at the prints of his wnsin the earth that, marked his mil. The Need for Diversity

As a planting system, the that time, its susceptibility to traits each plant group uniformity, the risk of a Three Sisters has more disease was unknown. Even Inherits. Groups of plants are disease or insect destroying varlety, or dlverslty, than a today the world depends on classified into varieties, the entire crop becomes planting of a single crop. In twelve varieties from a single races, or species, depending greater. This is because no addition. native peoples species for 85 percent or the on the degree of differences variety is resistant to all traditionally plant many potato harvest. among them. Scientists have potential pests. varieties of each *Stster." described more than 250.000 In 1946 In the United Hundreds of plant species How is this different From specles of flowering plants States a blight destroyed are eaten for food through- contemporary agrtculture? hundreds to thousands nearly all the crop. and out the world, but the Why might this matter? of of ferns, Although thlrty varieties species conifers, majority of food comes from Fungi, and other In 1970the United States were planted, all shared a plants. only four: corn. , rice, lost nearly half of Its corn single parent. Sdenrlsts estimate that rhere and potatoes. With the crop to a dlsease called are more than 250 races of increasing world population Each of these examples corn in the world. and they and the decreasing use of southern leai blight, This demonstrates the Importance happened bcause most of have described thousands of pesticides, the species and to agriculture of maintaining planted varieties shared varieties. Only a few of the races that can give improved the plant dlversjty. a single female parent from best varieties, however, are yield, nutritional quality, and Texas. The parent passed What is plant diversiry? wldely planted. When a large pest resistance must be along to each offspring a Basically, It Is the differences amount of land Is planted to preserved. trait that made it susceptible among groups of plants, a single variety to ensure to this dlsease. whlch are determined by the In 1845, 75 percenr of Ireland's potato crop rotted in just weeks from a dlsease, and a million people starved, Although more than IW species of potato exist in Central and South America, explorers brought back a single variety to Ireland. At Divemity All You may note differences in around You other leaf characteristics as well. Look for subtle changes Wouldn't It be baring if in color. A soft fuzz may everyone looked alike? occur on some of the leaves Humans are lucky to be such and not on others. All of diverse mtures! To help these subtle differences you think of diversity in represent plant diversity! familiar terms. look at the people around you. Although Now, back to the Three you, your friends, and your Slsters. The lIroquols grow lamlly are memkrs of the many types and varieties of same species, you each are corn, beans, and squash In unique individuals with traits one planting. that are different from those How daes this gmwinp of any other human. This is system differ from mmer- an example of diversity cia1 amlture thy? among humans. What are the advantam of You can learn about diversity gowing a few high-yielding amons plants in your own varieties of corn in large backyard. All you need are plsntings? paper and a pencil. Which system is besr in Go outside and select a terms of dive~iry7 single plant species of which If a new strain of a disease yw can find a sizable were to appear, which numb- Chmfrom wild system would be better for plants wch as maple, long-term survival of the dandelion, ground ivy, or planting? goldenrod-there are many to select fram! When you have decided on a plant species, kgntracing on paper the shapes of the leaves from different plants of that species. As you do this, note the different characterlstks of the leaves. Are each of the leaves exactly alike? Compare the drawinm of leaf shapes. Some leaves may have fewer lobes or divisions, and some may be more deeply ser- rated, w toothed. Some may be much larger than others. Digging Deeper: Getting to Know Sister Corn

When the word corn is develop a new type of pain. Because corn the year mentioned. what do you They saved the best to it is plarned and has both think of? Most Hkely you first replant and nurtured the male and female flowers. it is think of , that ywng maize plants by well suited for bding favorite food of summer. weeding and warering. work. The pollen that is Corn chips and other foods mea. Incas. and Mayas transfemd from the male to such as tortillas also may used this grain as a staple the female flowers generally come to mind. You are less crup, learning ways to travels with the wind. and likely to think of corn as "the prepare and preserve It. much moss- mosr important American Eventually, maize spread occurs. Breedencovwyour~g Indian contribution to world throughout Central hr~ca ears with bags to prevent civilization. . . appearing in and Into both South and random pollination. When idnridual Christopher Columbus's log North Amerlca. All these the silks appear. breeders flower (male) at least twice during his first native cultures regarded uncover the ears and place voyage."' maize as a sift from their on the silk pollen from creator. qualities, Corn Is more than a sweet ptants with deslred such as disease resistance, summer delight and a snack Corn is monoeciws Imon- earliness. or large size. Thls food. It is a crop rich in ee-shuss). which means that keeps unwanted pollen from history. In Iroquois culture, there are both male and mixing up the moss. rajsing corn is an essential lemale flowers on each corn part of life. plant WhiIe many flowering male Corn is our most important plants contain and female withln same native crop Called mahlz by parts the In Taino. the first Native flower, corn the male and flowers are In Americans to meet Colum- female different Imtions. The male bus, this member of the grass flower is as the tassel family is known by much of known the the world as maize and by and rests on top of plant in the of a branching scientists as Zea mays. form head. The female ffower is The corn that we know today located ktween the sheaths has a rich and welldevel- of the leaf and stem. It oped history in many conslsrs of a collection of different Native American hairs. called silks, enclosed cultures. Its origins can In? in the of what will tradto Mexico, where corn become the ears. These silk was first raised about 7,000 are pollen-mivinp tubes. years ago. Farmers In Mesoamerica probably crossed wild grasses to

Joe Barreiro. A hsonof Corn. In: tndran Corn ofthe Amrkss, Gift to the Wdd hbrtk~i Indian mtarly. Ithaca N.Y.: Corndl Uniwrsity Amwican lndlrm Program. sprl@-m= 1989. P. 9. Although &re is one Different types d corn have Despite all the corn products mentioned above long before botanical +es of corn, varlous uses. For example. on our grocery shelves, we Europeans came la the many types. or races, exist, the hard, flinty kernels of eat only about fourteen or Americas. American Indian and each race consists of nint corn are best suited for fifteen of every hundred farmers were good plant many varieties. 'These var- use in foods such as bushels gown in the United breeders. They kept types ieties freely cross-pollinate. or . Flour or soft com IS States. Most is fed to live- separate by preventing cmss- The typof corn frequently ~medbecause it makes stock or used in products pollination. Uniform, vigor- grown In the United States an excellentquality flour. such as explosives and paper ous, high-yielding, seed was include flint, flour, dent, and Much of the corn yown products. More &an a saved and deliberately sweet corn and . today In the United States is thousand modern items crossed to gnerate higher- There is also a yellow dent. Although dent come from corn! yielding hybrids, Iroquois corn to b often referred to as "grand- is often fed animals The decorative cam asso- white am still grown and This ancient In country, it enjoyed tad~y. father corn." this is well ciated with Halloween and la nutrition corn has appear- suited is and flavor it an unusual to grinding ad other harvest celebrations is make an ance; each Is cod important in many kernel used as in many often called Indian com, but ingedfent in Its own husk. fads. Sweet cam and foods, such as tortillas, in fact all corn is American speak for them- breakfast , and corn poprom Indian m. American seI=! Indians dweloped the types bread.

POP Flint ~ent Softorflwr Pod or "gmndfathrP

Kernels we hard Each kernel is Kernds consist of a hard, Kernels consist The mtire kemel is Each kernel may be and flinty through- endosed in a flinty matter on the of a translucent starchy and soft This endosed in a small wt hard, flinty coat outside and a soft center; horny material form of corn is husk, while the whole and has a soft, center "dents" are due to containin% frequently gmwn by ear is endosed in starchy substance shrinking of the soft part considera le Native Americans. The large external husks. in the center. Hint of the kernel. Nearly all sugar instead of American Indian Wen planted, pod corn is best suited corn in the Midwest corn . Agriculture Project at corn often gives a to the Northead. belt belongs to this race, Cornell University is crop of both podded as well as all silage and currently conducting and unpodded ears. grain corns in New York research with Iroquois white .

St rowbefry Ptrrple Husk Golden Banrum Hopi Blue Delaware Gmndfatber -Pops vm;Yelh Sugor Buns Iroquois Mite Corn or tortillas? Flwrs made from corn? How many different types of Young children love to corn and corn products can handle different-colored you find? Awnis a good kernels of corn. The starf at time to look lor corn. Sm a child care center in central and roadside stands carry New York built a low table many decorative corns, with sides and filled the particularly around Hallow- table with corn and beans of een. What type do you think many colors. The children they are? Many times, what use it during the long winter Is sold as Indian corn is dent months as an indoor activity corn, , or popcorn. center. They scoop up the How many different colors of vain In their hands and in corn can you find? If you containers. see the many collect them, save them for COIO~S, and let their imagina- the diversity activity ("Diver- tions run free1 Young people sity All around You") in the also low to glue colored section "The Need for corn to construction paper Dlverslty." to create corn mmla. Which corn pducts are sold on the shelves of your family grocery store? Can you find blue cornmeal7 Jars of baby or mlnlature corn?

T~In~dvisithgMch--gaveme dit~tytotdtbcmatxwtthe&~ oomAttheOmii~~on,a~&dhehadgmwn&c same cam. His dtscriptim fit em&. I asked where he hd gmmthe~ecdandherdcrrodmrroanodmfritndwbM ~Itfamsh6r*.Tlumty~~~thatthc~s bkwdd~aM1whmdiggingupasiaeha nm~wmyia~Wiin,ht~amdl, ss$sdrxmerg~hde.chisbowl~the~~ whid!hepveto~~,who~itmher~ter,& ~VCItt~the~wkoplatlbedIt Foods Prepared from Corn

Cam has been enloyed in its by Arthur C. Parker. an many gmwir~stages for a archamlast and an author- long time. Sweet corn Is i ty on Iroquois culture. Many typically harvested for peak of the foods wlll probably be sweetness in the stage, famlliar to yw,such as whlch wcu~when the juice boiled geen corn (this is In the kernel is milky in corn in the milk stag?, In color. Contemporary fanners whlch we usually enjoy often harwst corn for sweet corn), but some are in the "daugh" stage, very unusual. Althmthe when the sugar In the kernel text Is true to Parker and is mrtlng to starch and refers to the use of these the kemel Is more chewy and fmls In the pist tense, less sweet. Dent, flint, and many are still enjoyed by flour cum and popcorn are Iroquois people today. harvested at the end of the season, when the kernels are LeafbfesPdmnale%nlls dish was prepared from mature and dry. green corn. The kernels were Much of Iquois life has scraped from hecob, revolved around the planting, beaten to a milky paste, care, and harvesting of corn. patted into shape, and lald It Is not surprising, rhen, that In a strip on one end of a many Iroquois dishes Feature broad corn leaf. After folding corn. Na~veAmerican people in a special way, the tamales have used corn for every- were boiled. thing from beverages to puddings, casseroles, and Baked green corm Sweet . me Imquols have corn was scraped from the been very mative In flnding cob, beaten to a paste, and so many ways to grepaw baked slowly overnight in w m. kettle.

The following is a list of Boiled corn: This some common Iroquois fare dlsh is the same as corn on of old. It was adapred from the cob, with which you are an extensive record of familiar. Green corn means Iroquois uses of carn as- the kernels are in the milk sembled In the early I- stage. Tuscarora corn and sweet corn we~eused with equal favor. The kernels were eaten on W cob or scraped off and eaten in dishes. Fded green cwn: This dish CFWCkCdundrledcorn: dumpling^ Dumplings were was prepared by maping the Thb dish used ripened but cookd with boiling meats, kwrpel~of~comf~omnot dry m.7he kernels especially game blrds. Corn tfie cob, mashing It in a were crushed, kernel by meal was rnolstened with mortar, and either patting it kemel, on a flat stone, mixed boiling water, quickly molded into cakes or towing it In a with beans, and boiled for into cakes. and dropped Into basket to make a loose, light sevwal houts. bollrng stack or water. mass. It was then fried. Bohlmm M:Purple, Hominy: Hominy was Swmmsh Green mm was calico, and hominy corns -red from flint corn. The mlxed with caoked beans were used to make this corn kernels were mixed in a and seamirip and sbn- bread Themkernels were mortar with a Iittle water mered. bolled for fifteen to twenty and white ashes to make minutes in a weak lye bath pounding easier. The cracked Bakad cob mIn the made of hardwood ashes and kernels were sifted, hdeThis was a popular water. When the hulls pounded, sifted again, and way of preparing green corn loosened, the corn was winnowed. The coame, on cob. The ashes the from plaoed in a hulling basket. granular meal that resulted camp or hearth Ore wet^ the The corn was tinsed to wash was cooked and eaten as a row of brushed aside and a away the loosened hulls and cereal-like dish unhusked ears were laid on the ashes, then drained and the hot stones or the ground. Hdkd ram: This favorite ground in a mom-After The was soft emwere then covemi sifting. the resulting meal dish made from and embers corn, prepared in the same with cold ashes. was moistened with water. over A way -bed for bailed were heaped them. molded into a cake, and Rot fire was built and boiled. corn bread. The kernels were maintained until the corn washed until ftee of hulls, beneath was thought to be Early bread: Before the then boll& for several hours sufficiently baked. Corn corn was thoroughly dry &I until they were tender and baked in this manner had a the autumn, it was plucked burst. This was a favorite fine flavor adnever became for making early bread. The feast food scorched. unhulled corn kernels were mixed with a little water in a Raked scraped corm The mortar and lqround into a kernels of green corn were pasre. The paste was molded scraped the cob, ftom into loaves, which were In pounded a mortar or hiled. mashed in a wooden bowl with a stone, patted into Early corn pddins A cakes, sprinkled with dry paste was made, as &- meal, and baked In small scribed for preparing early dishes. bread. Then it was dralned. sifted, toss4 into a wet meal, and boiled down into a pudding, Dried corn : For Sauyk This dlsh was made If you are not Inclined to eat winter's use, the kernels of tke same way bol led corn parched corn coffee, , green, white. or sweet corn bread was made. except the or nut and corn pottage, rry were cut from the cob and corn was not ground so some of the ideas included In dried before a fw, taking fineIy In a mortar. Often the next section. or refer to care that the dryins war berries or meat were mixed a coo^ Grind your own rapid enough to prwent the and cooked with samp. can, using rhe corn you milk from souring. To make have gown in the 11re am soup, the dried corn was Pmthed coffee Com Sisters plantlng system was roasted on coals. then hiled for three-quarters of discussed at the end of this with boiling water to an hour, or untll tender. mixed gulde. make a beverage. Dried corn was sometimes roasted and pounded for pudding meal.

Corn pudding: White corn was roasted brown, pounded slowly in a mortar. and sifted. The coarser granules were pounded and resifted until ail the granules were uniform. The meal was then thrown into boiling water and cooked until tender. A small bag of was often tamed by hunters.

Nut &MItom pottage: Thls dish was prepared by mixing nut meal or nut milk with parched corn meal and boiling the mixture with meat. pumpkin, beans, and . It was sometimes sweetened wlth maple sugar. m*dcheboyMtosubmictohsr&s~~ she mld &r no dmmthl dycaiwr. The by's grand* ding: This lavorlte puddlng & then d mawpfmtr dingbtead cake8 and was made with parched or cattied them to the glrlb pmhmher, dm notified her ,yellow corn meal mixed with daughter dm the girl must marry a certain mmIf rbe suit was sugar and boiled pumpkin or rejectdat thefirappd, theweddideswmlefc 1 squash. The corn meal mded,and the humiliated donor had to aeq and mixture was cooked. daimthe des. Somehavc~d~tthe~d&werenevaeaurr.but probablywwe~byrhelmy'siimily~~m pit the o8~old~whohadled ttremtobelieve ~~writ~smiladupwl bcpuis White Corn in My Kitchen ~~omdius,~~m~~dcsardiesrmdchairofA~I~S~,UwmtyofW~at~Bay

In our fmlly. planting. Or instead of boiling the Duriq Augst the family At ane time people didn't harvestir@ and preparing corn, we allow it to dry to likes to prepam mst corn. rakecareofthem.-rhey white cwn involves every- use for corn bread. In the The boys dk a fire pit didn't appreciate the gift of one. The family works old days we would have outside and put a meklY corn. This made the mm together, often with other pounded drted corn with a grate over it. The ears of sad, and It went away. Only I families, to plant and hmt mortar and ptle, but today husked corn are then toasted then did the pmple discover the corn. When it comes we use a metal hand finder. over the fire until they how much they deperPded on time to prepare the corn and Each pemIn the family brown. We scrape the corn the corn. When the people eat it, everyone joins In. takes a turn at the grinder kernels off ttre mb after rhey promised to h thanldul om are dry When we make -we it's hard work roasted and then again for the corn, the corn the them. In the winter we make came back, with many the family sits around the tumg crank by handl but roastm~tosoupby W.The people had to kitchen table to sort the After the am is ground into shelled corn. We remove any flour and sifted, we add caking it in water. work harder to enjoy the corn silk, questionable beans and hot water and Eachwayof~gwhlre m. kernels or corn husks that form the mixture into cakes corn involves the entire The children responded that mIQtrt still be mixed In with about five Inches In diameter family. Another fmlly tdd they were truty thankful for the corn. Then we add the and wo inches thick After us they bought an electric m! to boiling water along our in corn plunging hands cold grinder to replace their The time spent preparing with dean wood stove ashes. water, we hand-craM metal smooth the ander white m Is a yeat way to mm a the cake, which wanted to save The brrlllant surface of bMause they share cultural knowMge and tells us that it We orange, wfilch helps hold tqether. time and energy. But they tlme together as a family. we have used enough asha. place the cakes in a ketrte af discovered that they missed After the com MIS foe about bo31h-y water for abut an the time they spent together thirty minutes, we take It hour. When they rise to the while they used the hand down to the stream. where surface, the corn bread Is Qrlnder. So they put the we pour It into the cum done. Everyone comes electric grinder away and washing basket. We dip the rumling when we annmnce only use It to make large basket into the st~eamto the anbread Is ready. It's quantities of corn flour when wash away all the ashes and so !dl company is expxed. hulls. This is fun to watch Another food we prepare As the family works together, dart kawe litrle fish to the from white com is . the dldren ask questions. surface to catch che hulls. One person (Wudly an Many tlmes their questions There are many foods we adult) handles the cast iron can be anmePed by telling a can make now. For corn skillet in which the com Is story. One time. the young soup, we radd the washed parched until It Is toasted folks asked why com had so I comtoapotdboiling and brown, The rest of the many husks on it and why it water and cook the corn for family takes turns grinding was such had work putllng several hours before adding the corn wlth the metal off all hehusks. We told the prlrtder, and the children sift story that answered their the ground corn flour. The questions: gwnd corn flour is added to water and cmk& as a cereal. We eat it with real maple syrup and salt pwk Other Uses of Corn

Corn has been used in many ways for food in Iroquois Husks were used to wrap culture. The use of corn has corn pudding or green corn; not ended in the kitchen, the bundles were then boiled however. The Iroquois have or baked to make wedding used various parts of the bread. I plant in many other ways. Husk bottles, trays, baskets. Stalks: Stalk tubes were moccasins, and sandals were used to store medicine. Corn woven as well. Husk door syrup was extracted by mats were braided so hat boiling or evaporating the the tufts of the husk were juice of young green corn- left protruding from the top stalks. Cornstalk "war clubs" of the braid. The braid was and "spears"were used by then coiled to Corm an oval boys in mock battles. mat. The thick tufts were "Counting"straws were cut trimmed evenly, and the flar from the tassel stems and braids were sewn securely used to teach children how with threads oi husk to count. Many items such as corn Corn husks: Corn husks had husk mattresses. although many uses. Single strips were unfamiliar to most people, pressed or lolded together are stilt created by Iroquois and used as short-term today. lamps when matches were Have you ever seen or made scarce. A larger quantity of a corn husk doll? husks were used far kindling a fire. Husks were shredded and used as filling for pillows. cushions, mattresses, and lounging mats. Husks were even braided in Jong strands and used as clothes- Lines. Activities

A Living History: Oral history has played a How did you store Food? major role in the transfer of Conduct an - Did you grow fruits and Interview information in Native at home? American culture, The story Did you follow any special Youth will about grandfather corn gardening practices, such as demonstrate awareness of relates the strong sense of planting by the phases of the differences and similarities community and the awe moon or inrerplanting? among people, their people experience when they cultures, and their age share wisdom and when they Did you ever work on a groups; demonstrate affirm a link to their past. farm? The process of building a sensitivity to or idenrify What are the biggest living history of oral tradi- with another person's changes that you have seen tions is a valuable way to situation, feelings and in the food you eat and rhe experience the transfer of ideas. way it's grown? knowledge firsthand. It also learn to conduct an reminds you that history is What was life like before interview. not simply what you read in the use of machinery? a book or study in a class- How has your life changed room. as society has become more Set up a time TO take a pad technological? How has it of paper and pencil and talk not changed? What do and with a senior member of don't you like about it? your community. Your After the interview discuss grandparent or other elder the following questions: relative. a neighbor, a How willing was your friend resident of an adult home, or to share his or her experi- a community historian can ences? Were you surprised be a wealth oC information. If by any of the observations? you have access to old After you warmed up, did the photographs, local paintings, interview pass quickly? or newspaper articles, all the Although you may have better! Ask some of the studied history, did you learn following questions, but do things from the interview not feel limited to them: thar you have not read in a What is your earliest book? How has agriculture memory? changed? How have garden- When you were a child. ing practices changed? What what was your diet like? did you lea~nfrom the What were your favorite experience? foods? How did you shop for food? Corn Husk Ihlk Com husk dolls are familiar Split a piece of husk In half. to many people. but some of Fold each piece in half. Youth will the beliefs and customs learn aspect of ,-;" . -/,,-,>., m ::.,;:-,- , -. an history behind them are not. For - ,- ., , - through creating a product example, most Iroquois and enjoy worklng on a chow to make faceless dolls. task with others. They felt that if a hild wem these over the doll's learn to produce rt corn to mistreat or damage a do11 husk doll. with a face, the doll could arms to form the shouldws- bring harm to the child. Take another strip of husk Pretty-faced dolls were and use It ro tie off the associated with conceit by walst. Trim the bottom, and thls culture mat enmaw haw a &]I who is humdlty. wearing a h- To make a corn husk doll, you will need scissors, twine, and dried corn husks, which can be softened by soaking in warm water, Use newspa- per to cover the surface you are working on. A corn husk doll is made in three pieces to create the head, arms, and shoulders and body. To make the head* ~fyou would like a doll with off a Piwe of husk and pants, divide the bottom in roll it into a ball. Fold a half and tie off the ankles piece of husk over this ball wth twne. and tie it with a thin strlp of husk Take another piece of husk and roll it tubelike, len~th- wise. Atrach this below the neck, and tie it offat the ends to create wrists. Trim the edps.

Experiment with other designs of your awn1 Through the activities in this Anothef variation is to roast ObserveCornorBean section youth will some of the kernels sent1y Seeds Water over low heat in an iron Weigh two tablespms of gather information lor fving pan until they are corn or bean seeds, then improvtxl problem solving. golden. If you grind these place them in a jar; cover use mmtethinking skills roasted corn kemels into the seeds with a measured and enjoy discovery meal and then cook them munt of water and let learning. wlth water (much as you them stand overnight. Drain learn to share use of a tool would or cream or the water and measure the while working together. wheat), you can make a good amount left. How did the tasting corn cereal. seeds chany in slze? In produce cornmeal and weight? How much water did Old shellers and grain mills make measurements and they absorb? observations abut seeds can be purchased inexpen- gvely at "junk" and antique and plant growth. MeasumGmmthof shops. New oms are more Corn Plants Shelling and expensive. Cooklng supply How doe a corn plant stores Grinahg Corn sell grain mills, and ~row-from the top or From some farm stores still carry If there were one activity to the bottom? After corn do with youth the fall, corn shellers. See the in plants are established, place related to the TheSisters, resource section far a supply marks wlth a permanent this ill Young might Ix source. marker at the top, middle, people enjoy the very active and bottom of each plant. and nature of grindlng corn Into Monm Measure the distances cornmeal. DJcots between the marks at weekly Sprout mecorn, bean, and For this activity. use corn Intervals: chart the results. squash seeds. How do they hat has completely drid Where does the greatest dlffer In appearance as they down on the cob. You can growth take place? begin to swell and take up use a sheller to remove the water? Grasses, including dry corn kernels from the corn, are monocots, and cob or remove them by knsand squash are dicots. hand, Then, put the corn Can you see the singe kernels in a gain mill and cotyledon (cot-ill-EEdun)of yid to the &gee of the corn seeds and the two fineness that ywr prefer, cotyledons of each of the from a Fine flour to mrse bean and squash d7 meal. Grlndlng with a mortar These meaty plant pam and pestle is effective but provide nutrition to the very time-consumlng and can young plant until it can make add interest to the acdvlty. its own food. minethe Try to choose at least two spurs with a hand lens or different types of for magnlfyln~@ass. Can you comparison. For example, see she tiny root hairs? grlnd blue flint and yellow dent. How do the two compare in texture? In wlor and m? Three Sisters Math Corn Relay not contain a corn product Other Activities are tapioca, white milk Are there native American Youth will Youth wltl (chocolate milk is likely to folklore, lqends, or practices identify and solve prob- contribute a cooperative contain ). diet lems; gather inlormation related to gardening that you effort toward a common soda, pasta, and coke. for improved decision interest and enjoy partici- can discover in your area For each team, lay a pile of and share with your group? making. pating with others. products at a given distance. Invite a local speaker to talk create a planting plan. demonstrate ability to remembering to include only with your group about the Using graph paper, design a spend time on a task one producr that does not subject. plan for a Three Sisters wisely and follow through contain corn. When you say - Look for nonfood items garden. Use as your scale on ground rules. START!, the first member OF that have been made from one blwk - one foot. each team is to go to the This is a Ilvely, highly the Three Sisters or from pr~ducts,choose one First measure 13' x 13' for the enga9ins activity that relies other plants. You may find that contains corn. and bring outside borders of the on reading and teamwok as corn husk or pine needle garden square. it goes Within the opposed to speed. back. The next person baskets, textiles colored with garden square, measure out to the pile. chooses a corn The objective of this activity plant-based dyes, unusual 3' x 3' hills [or planting and product, and brings it back. is to discover how much papers such as rice paper, a 2' path between each hill. This prmess continues untll corn appears in many of the and many other items. Point How many hills can you the first team flnlshes, and foods that we eat and ro out to your pmup that we plant? they all yell CORN1 to Indi- read very carefully. not only eat plants but cate that they have finished. From your seed collection, breathe their waste product For this activity. you will Check the winning team's count out: (oxygen). wear them. use need to Qo to the FocV 27 corn seeds pile of products. If they them for shelter. write on store and !Pr a varieY mistakenly brought back the 45 bean seeds them. heal wlth them. dye 9 squash seeds foods (or raid Your cupbard product that not one does fabric with them enjoy their Or Pantry). Read bein!Tedi- confain corn, they are Divide the seeds so that an shade and beauty, and even entS to find which contain disqualified, equal number of each seed heat our homes and travel corn products such as corn goes into each hill. How After the activity, discuss the with a product of their starch or corn svruo.. . . many of each seed can p number of prod~lctsthat decayed remains (fuel). iuices. sauces. salad dressine. into each hill? d, contain corn. Most young Where would we be without drinklng sodas. baby foods, people are surprisd to find them? Nea choose a way to baby formulas, pet foods. of that they are eating corn arrange the three kinds .arewired . and frozen foods. seeds in each hill. You might when they drink soda or eat and many other products want to experiment by spaghetti sauce. Talk about contain corn syrup or starch. placing rhe seeds on the the importance of listening There are also . paper plot. Think about the TO instructions. reading popcorn, corn tortillas, and characteristics of each sister. carefully. and teamwork. others. How does the way each Since most relays are based sister Qrowshelp you decide Choose several relay teams ,,-, thk ohen takes where it hill? to place in the Or !Pups young people+ young people by surprise. How will you arrange the For each relay team, you will Special hint: if you do not seeds in each hill? Why? need a ~roduct- for each . like the emphasis on compe- member plus an additional Color code the spots where tition, you can simply set it irem (so. seven prducrs for rhe seeds go wlth the up so that all teams are and add a key to a six-member team). All of crayons bringing back products, and show whlch color equals those products except for the activity is over when the which seed. one should contain corn in last team finishes-and then some form. Examples of alI teams yell CORN! together. pduas that typically do Experience an Iroquois Garden

In this section you will learn are used to tidy. wide rows. how to plant the Three Feel fme to adapt the Ststen acrording to lroquois spacings if necessary. Most custom. You have already importantly, enjoy this learned many new things exercise as an investigation abut m and her two into Native American culture. sisters adabout Irquois As they begin planting gardening Mow you can try Iroquois people direct their this planting system yourself thoughts to the elements (and and matean ancient that help plants grow. What m&m) practice. are the elements that make Be aware &at this system ywr garden thrive? As you may provide some unex- prepare your @en in the pected results. Interplanting lquois tradition, you may witltout the addition of want to consider and fertilizer may rmlt in a appreciate these elements as decreased yield The site may well. become more crowded than you're accustomed to when you pwsingle phntings. It may seem awkward at first to work ararnd plants that have grown so closely together. especially if you How to Plant the There are many corn vari- Three Sisters eties to choose from. Dent, flint, and flour corns are Youth will especially suited to this learn to locate resources sysrem,while popcorn often as well as develop a wider does not get tall enough and comprehension of what is may be overwhelmed by the required Tar gardening. beans and pumpkins. produce a unique Three (Iroquois white flour corn is Sisters garden. available from the American Program, t. Conduct a soil test, and Indian 450 Caldwell prepare the sarden site. Add Hall, Cornell University, compost or other materials Ithaca, NY 14853, at a cost of such as peat moss or manure $2.00 per packet.) to the soil. This will improve If you care to follow Iroquois the soil structure and add custom, plant the seeds with nutrients. If you have grown kind thoughts three days Traditional planting method: Corn and beans are planted together. Pumpkin is planted in every seventh hill. The pumpkin a gmn manure cover crop before the full moon. seeds can be planted alone, or with the corn and beans in the such as winter , turn it 3. After young corn plants seventh hill. under two to three weeks come up, bqin removing # mrn seed bean seed A pumpkin seed before planting. As are weeding, . weeds. you 2. Plant corn in late May. gently mound, or hill, the It is best if the ground has soil around the young plants. warmed and is no longer 4. When the corn plants are cold and wet. Iroquois about 6 inches high, pole tradition holds that planting beans and pumpkins can be begins when the leaves of planted around rhe corn dogwod are the size oC a plants. Genuine Cornfield or squirrel's ear. Scarlet Runner bean and Soak corn seeds for several Connecticut Field or Small hours, but not more than Sugar pumpkins are heir- eight hours, before planting. loom, nonhybrid varieties (Soaked seed may dry our that are readily available yet quickly, so keep the seeds "authentic" crops for your well watered for the first project. wek or two if the soil is not After thoroughly weeding. kept moist by rain showers.) plant Four or live bean seeds Prepare low hills that are 3 in each hill. Plant four or to 4 feet apart within and five pumpkin seeds in every Alternative planting method: Try planting the pumpkins in a between the rows. Place five seventh hill, placing them row of hills between the cam and beans. his method is used to seven corn seeds, evenly around the young corn more frequently among other native peoples, such as the Hidatsa. Do not feel limited to $lese designs. Feel free to try your awn spaced to a deprh of I to I '/2 plants. (Planting pumpkins in planting methods! inches. Cover with soil. every hill would quickly # corn bean seed A pumpkin seed overwhelm your planting site seed . with viny growth.) 5. Your plants will need Be sure to keep track of The Three Sisters A Community water each week. If it does which plants you have hand in a Basket Plantins not rain at least an inch per pollinated so you can If you lack space, try plant- Although growing the Three week, the planting will need compare them with those ing the Three Sisters in a Sisters is popular in schools. to be irrigated. If you are that have cross-pollinated. bushel basket or other large the garden season does not using presoaked seed, 8. Harvest and store your container. Use a li&tweight often correspond to the remember to water more corn, beans. and pumpkins soil mix, Plant 2 to 3 year. An exciting frequently at first. with care. When the corn seeds, allow the plants to alternative is to form a 6. Most of the nitrogen husks are dry, pick the ears reach 6 inches, and then partnership with a local converted by the beans will and spread them out in a dry plant 3 to 4 bean seeds and 2 muwurn. historicat society, nor be available to the corn place, To prevent mold, do pumpkin seeds lor experi- Cooperative Extension and pumpkins the first year; not store the ears when they ment with different numbers Association, or public library. the bean roots have to break are first harvested. 1C you of seeds). One of these partners may down to release nitrogen. plan to grind the corn. let it be willing to provide space To ensure adequate pollina- Corn is a heavy nitrogen dry for several weeks. for the planting help tion, be sure to remove the and feeder. so sidedressing with maintain over If you plan to save seed, male flower, or rassei. from it the summer. fertilizer is necessary to Thk approach has worked choose seed from your most the corn and shake it achieve satisfactory yields. The vigorous, uniform plants vigorously over the female well for many people. YOU can use manure. com- from the center OF the ear. silks. Otherwise, the ear will children benefit by experi- post, or commercial ferlilizer. encing the planting in After you have shelied the not be pollinated and will the sprins and the harvest in the 7. If you are hoping to keep kernels, keep them in a cool, not fill out. Do this wherl the community a variety pure--for example. dry place in covered contain- mate flower first tassels out. fall. The partner by having an heirloom variety of corn- ers or plastic bag. Following or the wind will carry the benefits an and unique you will need to isolate the Iroquois tradition, do not let pollen away before you can attractive demonstration planting to corn rrom other varieties. If a single kernel 9 ro waste! use if. You will know not you display during the summer isolation is possible. You can harvest your beans whether your efforts are will need to months. The teacher benefits hand pollinate. when they are Feen or after effective if you can see the This is a challenp. but it is by being able to introduce a the pods have shriveled and dustlike pollen hands-on, unique experience fun to experiment to see dried. adherlng to the silks. what results you can get. without the challenges of Pick pumpkins when their summer maintenance. To hand pollinate, place color changes. waxed paper lunch bags over the newly forming silks to 9. Try cooking a new food keep out unwanted pollen. from the corn, such as When the plants are tassei- hominy or . Save lin2 out, remove the bags the husks to make baskets or briefly and shake the desired dolls. Weave a basket; create pollen on the silks, then a corn mosaic. Use the plants replace the bags. Your to decorate your mailbox, a desired pollen may be that flagpole, or a tree trunk. of the same variety. If you Compost the remaining plant are experimenting with materlal. At the end of the crosses, however, the pollen season, have a harvest must come from another festival, Celebrate Thanksgiv- variety. You can use brown ing with the fruits of your paper lunch bags to collect labor and appreciate your pollen from the tassels of the rich American heri tagel desired variety. For More Information

So- Gathering Folklore from Elderly Contam Persons, (Part of the Mi AARP Program Resources Converse. Harriet Maxwell. Muto,Michael J., and Joseph Gerontological Imtirute's Guide DeptIDl Myths and LegwPds of the New Bruchac Keepmof rhe hnh: on Aging which describes F.O. Box 19269, StafIon R Yark lmqmk. New York State NamAmerican Storks and methods for collecting folklom Wdurlgton, DC 20036 Museum and Science 5m-k hvikmment&/ActIvItles lor and gives tips for intenriewing Bulletin 1% Albany, MY.: ChiIdren. Golden. Coto,: Fulcrum, elderly people.) Steppi* Into the Past: &H University of the State of New Inc, rgBB,lg89. -1 DweIopnl?nt Special CQntact: Ywk December 15 I@. hfere~tProJect. (A 4-H Caduto, Michael J., and Joseph Extemim Publications member's guide that gives Fenton, William N., ed. Parkw on Bruchac. 1996. Nattve Amertcan 2800 MacGuire Boulevard valuable tips on how to rk Impis, Symusc. N.Y.: Gardening: Stories, PmJects and Unlverslty of Miswuri interview older adults; good for Sy*lcuse University Press, 1968. Recipes for Families. Golden. Cdumbia. MO byit children q years and older.) tewandowskr, Steve. The Three Colo.: Fulcrum. This book bring 314-882-7216 Sit=. In: IrPdian Com of the stories and gardening together. Contact: Cam Arnewas: Gift Charles Cox Amerkss: Gift to the World. It focuses on planning and Indlan ofthe to the Nonheast Indlen State 4-H Program Specialist Ivwthesst lndlsn ikarterly, pp. preparing the gaden site. World. Quarterly,pp. 33-39. Ithaca, N.Y.: 205 Poultry Science Building 41-45. Ithaca, N.Y.: Comell creating traditional native Comell University American Oktahoma State Univecslty University American Indlan gardens, making crafts. and Indian Program, spring/summer Stillwater, OK 74078-039 Program. sprrng/summer 1989. cookrng meals. 199. Mt. Pleasant,Jane. The lroquds CoolWnq Wrh the 7hme 5~ers. Wltson, Gilbert L &Malo Bid Sustaine-Practices of a loq Reclp bock available for $3.00 Oral History in Your Commu- WCnrnan's Gaden. St. hul, Mhn.: term Agriculture in the North- from the Frult and Vegmbk niry. Ohis guide gives detalled Mlnnesoui Hlstoriml Society east. In: Indian Cam ofthe klence Department, IW Plant Instructions abut intervlewlng, Press. I*, (OrlQinalfypublished Americas: Gift to the W&. Science Bullding Cornell taping, and writing oral asA~~0f~Hidarn Northe&st IrIdMrl Qlmrfet-iy,pp. Univemity, Itha, NY 14853. histories. It is an excellent IIlGhR An Indian Intekpmta resource for older children and 33-39. Itham, N.Y.: Comell Cornelius, Carol. TAe Slx NatW rm.1 UnMityAmerican Indian teachets!leadars.l Swles. hhac~,N.Y.: Cornell for ffie sheller: Prosranl spsing/-m 1989- University Amerlcan Indian Contact: -Rapld Hand Corn Sheller. Parker, A. C I-& Uses of Program, 1990.(Both student and Carolynne M. Keiffer Operated by a hand crank has Maize mi 0thFood Plan& teacher guides are aval lable.) (do Dr. Leo Ctamm) self-contained clamps and State Missouri Gerontology quickly attaches to a wooden New Ywk Museum Bulletin Dennee, Joanne.Jack Peduui, lnstlhfie box or barrel. Cob ejector and 14.Albany, N.Y.: Urdmity of Julia Hand, and Carolyn 404 Lwvls Hall attachment In- the Smte of New Ymk 1910. Pedwi. 1996. In the 7?1n?e ttpplng are Unkerslty of Mlsswri cluded. For more information, Reprint. Ontario. Canada: Sjstecz Garden: Natlve Columbia. MO 6pi1 get a catalog from the waftsLtd., 1983. Stories and Seammi ActiviW Cumberland General Store. 4 for the C~wmusUdd. Dubuque, Rmjnimwce: Findng Meaning Highway 68. Crossville. Tenn. Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Thts in Memories. (Developed by the 38555.1-800-334-4640. comprehensive manual Intre Arnerlcan Assoclatlon of Retired duces children to henVee Pwsons (AARPI, these project Slstefs through year-kny materials include essays and actMties. There are stories, articles about the benefits of prom. and aaivitie. reminiscing with elders. Included are sections that teach visiting, interviewing, and listening sWlls. leebreaken and exercises are also outlined in the leader's guide. These materials are supplemented with slides and a 13-minuteaudiocassette.) The Three Sisters: Exploring an Iroquois Garden Member Evaluation As a 4-H member, you've become an expert on good ways to learn about subjects that Interest you and about activities that are both fun and educational. Please answer the following quatiom to help us understand what you learned and enjoyed. We value your Input!

I. What are the Three Sism?

z What do you feel you've learned by participating in the Three Sisters project? Please heck all that apply.

I I I-learnedabout nadve culture.

n I leadto appreciate plants and rood from another culture.

I learned to pmrea fd.

n I learned about diversity and why It is Important,

r' l I planned and carried out an activl ty.

I ; I better understand what is nddto plan and plant a garden.

3. List three things that you learned abut Iroquois culture that you didn't know be fm.

4 Can you name at least three types ofcorn?

5 Could you name these three ~jpesof corn before you did the Three Sisters project?

6. Can you draw ~e 7hm Sisters? 7. What is diversity?

8. Can you name one way that diversity relates to the Three Sisters?

9. What ideas did you learn from the Three Sisters that you could use to develop into a report or topic for a publlc presentarion?

10. Do you have a favorite crop of the Three Sisters? If so, why is it ywr Famite?

I I What was your favorite activity? What did you like about It, and what did you learn from it?

rz. Is there anything else about the Three Sisters project that you would like to comment on? Acknowledpenis The! sectlm The Need for Dlver- sltf was prepared by Marvln Rltts. Marcia Eames-Sheavly Is a senbr w,hpmmt of Frult ad exterrrioo mtein the VmleScience. Cornell Depanmem of and Vwble Unlrnry. Saenw. Cwnell UniMty. The secrh*Grandlather Cod and "Iroquois White Cam In My This publlcarlcil was Kitchen" wwp -red by Carol Mopedto promote 4-H assistant pm4essw of Cornellus, programs In New York State. humanlsttc srudw and chair of heitcan lndlan Studk, University This pklkatim Is Issued to Iurfhw of Wlseonsln at Green Bay. Co~pwetlwCklensbn work madated byansdmmssofby 0 andlunt The sealon "Orhw Uses ol Com" ]a 1914 It waproduced with the and the Nst of common Iroquols coopwetlon of #heU.S. Department of Care In the wth "F& Prepared A-I- [kmell Coopwsrfvt fmm Corn' were edited and Extam. kd Cdkeof &iuilture e#ewpfed~F%dwonthe and Ufe College or Hum d 1- 1- William N. Fenton. ed.. Ecolw, and Cde Vcmhwy Medicine at Cwnell Univenhy. M Syracuse UnhPersity RPSB. SYTBCUS?. by Cooperative Emmron equal N.Y., 1968. pp M. pwmls- -am and empbymnt opponml- slon ot rhe publisher. tkD. Mwrill Ewert, Dlrectar. illustrations in the satka 'C~I Ahmagwe formats ol thls publkatlon OWahoma m Husk Dolls* wen adapted fmm are auaihbIe on requeor lo pmns Eagle hndin Judith A.. Maw C with dWlttrps wtm canrtot use the wite (cam$,Bradford ad Eileen A. Whalen. printed htFoa inlmtron -11 or reed dhdOTL The Natfve d lhe Norrheast mite the Omee of rhe DLrsctw. Cmetl Woodrlsndr, M& of the cwwran~Enemlwlp65- Hall, llhack m I& (boy255-m>. Anwhn Indlan-)leye Foundation, New Yorlr Iqqo- Additlwl mphd this pllblicatlon may be purcttassd dum& Cam41 'I)le authors wwld Ilkto thank the Unlverslty Media and T- followdng for their help In ScMcts RewuaCenter. 7 Wl the preparation d this pllbllcatlon: Buslm G Technology h-k I-. MY Jose Barrelm. editor in chief. I-. Phone: *255-*; Fax: * mkonJml, -11 Urn- -*w emil: shy;Jane Mt. Pleasant. asisram ~~l.edu. pkm,kpartment or Soll, thp, A Iw malog d Cornell Cooperatlw and Amwspheric Sclmces, Cornell and audbvlsuals Wtv;Mqamt Smlth. Is wallable fmm tht $meackks or assistant profeam. Depamnent of tmm aly Cancll Cooparattvs Planr mlngand Biomerry, EnenslDnomce.7hemtalopslsom Cornell UnMty; Roben Beck, be accerssd a PhC Ulmrrlng World Wkk Web site httpll~~~~xx~~mmell em- kpmment of professor edu/pubIkations/~taloghunl Hwticulrural kkmes, Aplculml Experiment Station, maMwv Yo& White Eagle (Carl Barn&. sdpreservationist, Turpin Oklafioma: Merry ~~s,Broome Cmry(koperatlve Emensimz fm the Three Wers math activity. and Raylene hdgite. Ccdetl manta- rlw. for the cwn relay actlvlty. Cornell Cooperative Extension Helping h Put Knowledge to Work The Three Sisters Exploring an Iroquois Garden

Recipient of both the Quill G Trowel Award for Excellence In Gdm Communications and an Art of Garden Communication award fm the Garden Writers Association of America, The 7heSisters: Explor- ing an froguois Garden was written to provide a htter understanding of a unique growing method, as well as the people who created It. Ihe Three Slsters" system refers to the planting of corn, pole beam, and squash or pumpkins, together, in hills or mounds. By exploring this Iroquols gardening method, you can leam more abaut thre wonderful crops, as well as gain an awareness of Native American culture. The y-page book IncIudes legends, several activities, and a pattern for maldng corn husk dolls. It ad- the need for genetic diversity, and illustrates how and when to plant your own Three Slstm."F& prepared from corn are kribed so you can try them yourself. Useful to gardeners of any as, as well as educators in many settings.