Learning Balance, Cooperation, and Growth Through Corn, Beans, and Squash

Three Sisters Teachings Workshop

The Three Sisters Teachings Workshop is a hands-on, student-focused learning experience rooted in Indigenous agricultural knowledge, storytelling, and land-based practice.

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Guided by teachings carried through Jessica’s Abenaki Lineage and her connections to the Indigenous Communities, this workshop introduces Corn, Beans, and Squash as teachers of balance, reciprocity, and community care. Students learn that growth does not happen alone. It happens through relationship, support, and working together.

Storytelling – The Three Sisters

The workshop begins in circle, creating a shared learning space where everyone is seen and included. Through oral storytelling, students are introduced to the Three Sisters as relatives who grow best when planted together. Teachings shared include:

Corn

Corn is taught as a symbol of leadership and structure. Corn grows tall and provides support and guidance for others.

Beans

Beans represent community and nourishment. They climb the corn, fixing nutrients in the soil and supporting growth.

Squash

Squash is shared as a teacher of protection and patience. Its broad leaves shade the soil, protect moisture, and support long-term growth.

Together, the Three Sisters teach teamwork, balance, and interdependence. After this storytelling portion, students understand that strength comes from cooperation, not competition.

Land-Based Learning – Hands-On Planting

Students then move outdoors for a direct land-based learning experience.

Each student participates in planting:
• Corn
• Beans
• Squash

Teachings include:
• Proper spacing
• Companion planting
• How the sisters support one another

Students observe soil, sun exposure, and seasonal conditions, connecting science learning to lived experience.

Reflection questions may include:
“How can we grow together like the sisters?”

After planting, students feel a strong connection to the land, growth cycles, and teamwork.

Workshop participants actively planting seeds using traditional Indigenous companion planting methods under the guidance of Focal Point Artistry.

Curriculum Integration

The Three Sisters workshop supports learning across multiple grade levels.

Kindergarten to Grade 2

• Plant life cycles
• Sequencing and cooperation
• Storytelling and listening

Grades 3 to 5

• Ecosystems and nutrition
• Indigenous agricultural practices
• Observation and recording

Grades 6 to 8

• Sustainability and environmental science
• Cultural history of the Three Sisters
• Food systems and responsibility

Story and land together anchor literacy, science, math, wellness, and social learning.

Art and Food Methodology – Three Sisters Soup

The Hands-On Experience

Students participate in preparing corn, beans, and squash for soup.

As ingredients are added, symbolism is discussed:
• Corn represents guidance
• Beans represent support
• Squash represents protection

This process helps students understand that food carries story, teaching, and relationship.

Creative Reflection

Students may also decorate a paper or canvas “soup bowl,” representing each sister through colour, shape, or symbol.

The experience concludes with tasting the soup, celebrating nourishment, cooperation, and the cycles of growth.

After this portion, students often feel proud, nourished, and deeply connected to community and learning.

Workshop Flow

A typical workshop follows this rhythm:

• Grounding circle focused on teamwork and balance
• Storytelling about the Three Sisters
• Outdoor planting activity
• Soup preparation and creative reflection
• Closing circle where students share one lesson about growth or supporting others

Logistics and Booking Details

Length: 3 hours

Cost: $500 per workshop (facilitation)

Materials fee: $15 per student
All materials included.

This workshop is an experiential exploration of growth, cooperation, nourishment, and land connection.

Travel and accommodations are additional and discussed during booking.

Book the Three Sisters Teachings Workshop

The Three Sisters Teachings Workshop is ideal for schools seeking meaningful, hands-on Indigenous learning rooted in land, food, and relationship. To request dates or discuss how this workshop fits your classroom or school community, please visit the Contact and Booking page.

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