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English: Ermatinger–Clergue National Historic Site, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

THE THREE SISTERS GARDEN

WELCOME TO THE GARDEN OF THE "THREE SISTERS."

In late spring, Aboriginal people would companion plant corn, beans and squash. This trio was known as the "Three Sisters." These crops played an essential role in the nutrition of Aboriginal people throughout the Americas and were celebrated with many stories and ceremonies. Many a legend was woven around the three sisters. Sisters that should be planted together, eaten together and celebrated together.

In a three sisters planting, women, who were the primary caretakers of the fields, would plant corn, beans and squash using a hill method. The corn would provide a support for the beans to climb on, the beans would contribute nitrogen to the soil and the large, prickly leaves of the squash would shade the soil, conserving moisture, preventing weed growth and deterring animal pests.

The Europeans quickly adopted this method of planting and benefited from the harvest, as this provided food that could be stored for winter use. This tradition of interplanting corn, beans and squash was a sophisticated, sustainable method of planting that nourished generations of Aboriginal people.

Corn, beans and squash also complement each other nutritionally. Corn provides carbohydrates; the beans are rich in protein, which balances the lack of amino acids in the cord. Finally, the squash yield vitamins and rich oil from their seeds.

Corn was a staple of Aboriginal people. It was boiled, roasted, dried and made into flour, hominy or mush. Corn could be stored and dried for the winter. Even the corn husks were used for mats, dolls and masks.

ERMATINGER CLERGUE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE