Plants and Indigenous Knowledge
The mission of Cornell Botanic Gardens is to share the deep and enduring connections between the rich diversity of the plant world and the equally rich diversity of cultures worldwide. Garden displays and an indoor exhibit at the Nevin Welcome Center feature plants and the Indigenous knowledge they hold, which share how relationships rooted in respect, reciprocity, and responsibility have sustained people and the natural world for generations and continue to do so today.
Gifts from the Land
Plants provide us with many gifts and there are Indigenous teachings that offer guidance in return. These ongoing practices of reciprocity guide us in nurturing our communities and all beings. Explore over two dozen plants displayed in front of the Nevin Welcome Center, which provide gifts to our bodies, minds, spirits, communities, and Mother Earth.
Indoor Exhibit
An exhibit inside the Welcome Center explores how Indigenous Peoples and their reverent and reciprocal relationships with plants demonstrate how to survive, thrive, and ensure the well-being of all life for future generations.
Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ heritage plants
Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ heritage plants from seeds passed down through generations spanning hundreds of years including corn, beans, squash, tobacco, and sunflower have sustained the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ (Cayuga Nation) for centuries.
Rooted in Reciprocity
Listen to Indigenous students at Cornell share how plants support their well-being and connect them to their communities, as well as how they care for plants and other beings in return.