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Corn, beans, and squash, commonly known as “the Three Sisters,” have been important companion crops in Indigenous communities in the Americas for centuries. This combination not only holds traditional wisdom and folklore but has also been proven to be scientifically and environmentally symbiotic.

In this conversation, we welcome colleagues from the National Museum of the American Indian and Smithsonian Gardens. Curator Hayes Lavis, horticulturist Christine Price-Abelow, student and teachers coordinator Renee Gokey (Eastern Shawnee), and cultural interpreter program coordinator Mandy Van Heuvelen (Mnicoujou Lakota) leads a discussion about the Three Sisters, traditional Indigenous agriculture, and food sovereignty.

This program includes step-by-step instructions on preparing a delicious dish incorporating the Three Sisters. Growing and using these healthy ingredients is now more important than ever for everyone.

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This event is part of the Smithsonian Earth Optimism initiative, highlighting success stories in conservation and sustainability.