Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ (Cayuga) heritage plants are growing in the Pounder Vegetable Garden to support the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ Learning Project, which promotes the awareness and practice of Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ language and lifeways in their ancestral homelands and beyond.

The seeds of corn, beans, squash, tobacco, and sunflower were passed down through generations spanning hundreds of years and have sustained the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ people for centuries. At the end of the growing season, seeds are harvested and given to Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’ people living in other parts of present-day U.S. and Canada to grow and nurture in changing environments.


Explore these panels to learn more about the varieties displayed here.

 

 

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Learn more about Cornell Botanic Gardens' longstanding partnership with the Gayogo̱hó:nǫˀ community to revitalize their language and lifeways.

Heritage plants
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Collaboration plants seeds for cultural, biological conservation

A campus collaboration with the Gayogo̱hó:nǫ’ (Cayuga Nation) seeks to conserve biodiversity and simultaneously safeguard human cultural values and traditions.

Steve Henhawk harvesting heritage beans
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Cornell Botanic Gardens brings new Cayuga language class to life

Class instructor Stephen Henhawk, Cayuga speaker and historian, discussed his class in this three-minute video.

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Words Before All Else

Learn more about the Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ people by watching and listening to Steve Henhawk, a Cayuga speaker and historian.