Our Mission
Growing Together is our mission is to provide a hands-on gardening experience for students while fostering connections to Indigenous languages and cultures. Through journaling and reflection, students will deepen their understanding of the planting process and the natural world. Using the lunar cycle to guide planting, students will develop a sense of cultural identity and pride. Our goal is to empower students to become stewards of the earth and to recognize the interconnectedness of all living things.
A Rich History
Three Sisters gardening is an Indigenous agricultural method that involves planting corn, beans, and squash together in a mutually beneficial way. The corn provides support for the beans to climb, the beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and the squash acts as a natural mulch. This approach creates a sustainable and efficient system that has been used for centuries to provide food for Indigenous communities, while also reflecting spiritual and cultural values.
Three Sisters gardening demonstrates the importance of harmonious relationships between humans and the natural world, and offers a model for sustainable agriculture that promotes soil health, biodiversity, and food security.
We Observe
Throughout the project, teachers and students should observe the connection between the natural world and food production, particularly the importance of the lunar cycle in gardening. Students will be encouraged to keep journals, noting the moon phases and weather patterns, and how these affect the growth of their Three Sisters garden. They will also be encouraged to share their observations and findings in a citizen science approach, promoting collaboration and critical thinking. Additionally, the project promotes cultural awareness and understanding of Indigenous agricultural practices, as well as the importance of sustainability and community-based agriculture.