In South Austin, the Central Texas Cherokee Township and the nonprofit Partners for Education, Agriculture and Sustainability (PEAS) are transforming education by integrating traditional Cherokee farming practices into the curriculum at Cunningham Elementary School. This initiative allows students and families to engage with sustainable agriculture and cultural history, fostering a deeper connection to their heritage and community.
Reviving Traditions Through Education
For the past two years, the partnership has focused on planting Native crops such as corn, beans, and gourds at the school’s farm. This method, known as the ‘three sisters,’ is a traditional Cherokee planting technique where corn provides support for beans, and gourds cover the ground, creating a symbiotic growing environment. Doug Martin, a member of the Central Texas Cherokee Township, emphasizes the importance of connecting students with the history and cultural significance of these crops.
Martin notes that many students find personal connections to the agricultural lessons, as they often reflect their own family histories. The program not only educates students about farming but also about the stories and traditions that accompany these practices. For instance, students have created corn dolls representing characters from traditional stories, further enriching their learning experience.
Community and Cultural Impact
The farm serves as a community hub where families participate in after-school programs and even take home harvested crops. This hands-on approach provides a rare opportunity for students to step away from screens and engage with the natural world. Maria Guzman, a parent, shares how her daughter has become known as the ‘plant lady’ on their street, bringing home plants and stories that enrich their family life.
PEAS outdoor education specialist Magda Hernandez highlights the multigenerational aspect of the program, where seeds planted by community members are nurtured by students throughout the school year. This experience teaches valuable life lessons about patience and interdependence, as students eagerly anticipate the harvest while learning the importance of each plant’s role in the ecosystem.
The initiative also extends beyond Cunningham Elementary, with similar programs at other Austin schools. By providing access to seeds from the Cherokee Nation seedbank and ensuring their viability in Texas, the project aims to preserve and promote cultural traditions while building a sense of community among participants.
Original reporting: Texas Tribune (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
