CORN is a gift of the North American Indian people to the world. It
originated somewhere in Central America - our traditions say it came from
the sky, since it seemed to appear from nowhere, a gift to the Creator.

The gift was marked by a Treaty: Human Beings and Corn had to work
together to feed the nations. Each was to depend on the other for their
survival. That is why there is no such thing as "wild Corn". By the time
Europeans arrived on these shores, the Original American scientists had
long before domesticated Corn and bred hundreds of different
variations.

The Treaty still works today: Corn is one of the few plants, perhaps
the only plant, whose seeds must be planted by human beings if she is to
grow and survive. One the other hand, if Corn stopped supplying its
nourishment, there would be extreme hunger all over the world. Next time
you eat some popcorn or Corn-on-the-cob, you can recognize the benefits
of cooperation.

Corn was usually planted with Beans and Squash in the same hole, and
they worked together so closely they were called "The Three Sisters". The
Corn provided a stalk for the Bean vines to climb around, and the Beans
returned the favor by replacing the nitrogen in the soil. The Squash
spread out its broad shady leaves to keep other plants from crowding out
the Corn. By observing the way the Three Sisters work together, we
learn the value of productive inter-relationships of human beings.

Traditionally, we planted the Three Sisters in April, May, and June so
we would have a long season of good eating. Usually the outside row odd
corn was dedicated to the animals, and the next row was dedicated to
the use of passers-by who might be hungry. The rest of the rows were for
those who planted it. This taught us how to share.

Corn can be eaten fresh or dried. Unless the kernels are parched, dry
corn must be ground to flour for humans to receive its nourishment. This
requires hard work. Traditionally, while people are working with Corn,
they meditate, trying to see themselves more clearly, to answer the big
question: "Who am I?" If you have tried to pound corn, perhaps you
learned something about yourself in the process!

All parts of the Corn were used: the husks made mats, dolls, masks; the
stalks could be used for fuel; even the cobs had their uses. This
taught us to value and use all of the Creation's gifts.

We give a great greeting and thanksgiving for our sister Corn and to
the Creation which works with her to provide her nourishment to us.