Traditionally, it is our duty to give thanks to the maple tree also known as “wahda’” with a yearly ceremony in early spring at the turn of the Wahda’ moon. Hodinohshon:nih also give thanks to wahda’ through Ganonyok, the Thanksgiving Address recited at the opening and closing of ceremonies and gatherings.
Hawe:’öh ‘ëgëödadogëök dëtkanigae’se:k neh yöëdza’geh. Da: ‘onëh dih ‘ëswe:he:k ‘ëdwajë:nö:ni’ sga:d hëdwa:yë:’ ‘ögwa’nigöë’ dëdwanö:nyö:’ neh wahda’. Da:ne’hoh niyo’dë:ök ‘ögwa’nigöë’. Translation: He intended that there should be a certain tree to give sap here on earth. And so now, we will give it all our thought and carefully give thanks to the maple trees. And let it be that way in our minds.
The sap that comes from the tree is the Creator’s Medicine to us. We give thanks that we’re able to renew and rejuvenate another year here on Mother Earth. It’s important to always give thanks before tapping and to only tap what you will be using. The running of the sap in the maple tree is the first sign of the awakening of Mother Earth.
Our ancestors have been tapping maple trees for centuries. Today, we carry on our way of life.
Sap is a natural sweetener and used in white corn mush and traditional teas. Using maple syrup as a sugar substitute is more beneficial than white sugar or high fructose corn syrup since it has antioxidants and plant compounds.
The annual pancake breakfast hosted by Gakwiyoh Farms breakfast was held on the Allegany Territory at the Allegany Community Center (ACC) on March 14th, 2026. Another breakfast will be held on the Cattaraugus Territory at the Cattaraugus Community Center (CCC) on Saturday March 28, 2026, from 8am to 11am.
The first community breakfast originated back in 2019 and was held at the Stanley “Sully” Huff Building which took place the first Maple Weekend. Over time, an event on the Allegany Territory was established. Staff enjoy hosting the breakfast because it is a chance to engage with community members and share information about the farm.
Gakwi:yo:h Farms is currently in full swing for the maple season and production. Tapping season can last 4-6 weeks. Starting from late February to March or March into early April depending on the climate. The farm shared their tapping operation with us. They use a drop line system when collecting sap. Once they tap the maple trees, they connect tubes which allow the sap to flow into the main tube line. The sap is the flows into the main storage tank.
Gakwi:yo:h Farms projects to produce 200 gallons after boiling the sap down to maple syrup. About 80% of the product made is sold. This maple syrup they have worked diligently on will be featured at the breakfast event along with bison sausage processed from their herd. Cash and card are accepted.
Gakwi:yo:h Farms maple syrup is available for purchase in pint sizes and quart sizes on location at 13594 Taylor Hollow Rd, Collins, NY, 14034
The farm has partnered with various organizations and different departments within the Seneca Nation and continues to foster non-profit work within the Western NY region. On average 20% of what the farm produces is donated to community events. The farm has also set up at Food Truck Fridays at the Seneca Iroquois National Museum in Salamanca, New York in the summer.
