October 26, 2023 | Repost from SCCSD FB – 6th Grade Gakwi:yo:h Farms Field Trip
Last winter, 5th graders observed and assisted the Native American Curriculum Team (NACT) in the traditional boiling process of maple sap into syrup. NACT received a generous donation of sap from the Seneca Nation Gakwi:yo:h Farm. This donation made it possible for the team to boil enough syrup for students to try.
Monday, our then 5th graders, now 6th were able to give back and participate in an important harvest at Gakwi:yo:h. This year, the farm was able to plant heirloom corn seeds directly on site because the neighboring farms, that grow GMO corn, did not plant.
It is an important aspect of Seneca and Hodinöhšo:ni:h culture to give thanks and practice reciprocity not only toward human beings, but also the natural world. Prior to visiting the farm NACT member Gabriele Papa visited Mr. Bucholz’s classes to prep the students for the visit. In STEAM class, students have been learning about the importance of using bioinspiration, inspiration from our Earth, to integrate natural traits of plants and animals into different types of project designs. Ms. Papa built upon this lesson, by teaching students about Onëögë:n (white corn) and the many uses for each part of the plant. Our 6th graders were also asked to practice having a good mind while harvesting and working with the onëögë:n, another important cultural practice.
As an incentive, Mr. Bucholz and NACT made the harvest a competition. The class that harvested the most corn would win a Roast Corn Soup/Pizza Party and receive a piece of pottery as a trophy for their classroom. Altogether, the students harvested nearly 5,000 ears of corn! Mrs. Taylor’s class took first place, harvesting a total of 1,144 ears of onëögë:n.
On harvest day, Mr. Bucholz, NACT members Andrea Cooke and Gabriele Papa, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Camille Pontrello, Native American Program Coordinator Michala Redeye, and Title VI Grant Coordinator Aaron Miller worked alongside the very enthusiastic 6th grade team and students. On behalf of all SCCSD staff involved, we are all so proud of the hard work our 6th graders took part in.
Lastly, we’d like to give a special Nya:wëh to Seneca Nation Gakwi:yo:h Farms acting Director Gerry Fisher and staff for welcoming us and providing a homemade lunch of bison burgers, mac and cheese,
steamed green beans, and ham and vegetable soup. The food was delicious!
