Gakwi:yo:h Farms Visits 3rd and 4th graders at Gowanda Elementary School
Gerry Fisher, acting director, Julie Fisher and Tekahentake Regis gave a wonderful presentation about what the 52-acre farm grows, its processing center, their Bison farm and the various classes it offers, including canning/preserving workshops. They also brought and discussed a variety of locally produced food items, including:
▪️Heirloom beans, which are passed down generation to generation. Varieties include orca beans, buffalo beans, bear-paw beans, cranberry beans and skunk beans, with many varieties named after what they resemble. Their oldest beans are called “Buffalo Creek Squash” and are estimated to be more than 800 years old.
- Corn (white, sweet and blue)
- Dried squash to sample
After the students got to look at, handle and smell the items they had an opportunity to taste some of the dried squash that the ladies brought with them. They also had the opportunity to try some roast corn soup that Mrs. Young brought. Geri explained to the students that drying foods was the way their ancestors were able to preserve and store foods to keep from spoiling. Each student was able to try corn, beans and squash — each of the three sisters!
Gakwi:yo:h Farms, which traces its origins to the Seneca Nation’s Diabetes Program that promoted incorporating healthier eating, officially formed about six years ago. For the past few years it has collaborated with Gowanda Central School District to enhance our year-round Native American history and culture lessons for students across all grade levels.
Gowanda CSD is grateful to the Fisher sisters and Tekahentake Regis for sharing their expertise with our students! Thank you! Learn more about Gakwi:yo:h Farms HERE.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GakwiyohFarms/
November is Native American Heritage Month.
