The Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre; Preserving Indigenous Seeds for Generations to Come

In the heart of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, the Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary is an important community initiative devoted to cultivating a sacred space to grow, preserve, and protect heirloom and Indigenous seeds.

Started in 2019 on 15 acres of land provided by the band council, the Seed Sanctuary is a community-minded collective. It is made up of a board which includes seed keepers and gardeners from the local community who work with nature and the environment to create a sustainable place to grow and harvest seeds.

The sanctuary is made up of 28 individual beds which represent the 28 days of the lunar cycle. Seeds are grown in rotation based on the seasons, and in 5–7-year cycles. The sanctuary holds 300 types of seeds including 60-70 Indigenous seeds which include corn, kale, onions, beans and 40 different types of tomatoes. The collection also holds some rare heirloom crops like blue Cayuga flint corn, and Jacob’s cattle bean, a red and white legume dating back to the 1700s.

There is a small drying room for seeds onsite however the majority of seeds are housed at the public library for both security and temperature control purposes. The seed sanctuary hopes one day to have a permanent dedicated space to house this important seed collection. The Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary is funded by donations and grants, and hosts seasonal events for members of the community throughout the year, including the annual Spring Celebration and Seed to Salsa event.

Cultural History of Seed Saving for the Haudenosaunee and the Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary

The Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary has some interesting beginnings. It first began when a collection of seeds was brought to the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul by Robert and Carol Mouck; farmers who lived in nearby Napanee. They passed on the seeds for the purposes of preservation and growth, and for over twenty growing seasons, the Sisters stewarded this important Heirloom Seed Sanctuary. The extensive collection of seeds consisted of once endangered seeds, which in time adapted to the local environment.

With this all important Seed Sanctuary in hand, members of the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul spent time connecting with the Kingston Area Seed System Initiative, as well as women from Ratinenhayén:thos, a small group from the Tyendinaga Mohawk community who see themselves as farmers and stewards of the seeds.

In 2019 a seed rematriation ceremony was held by Ratinenhayén:thos, the Kingston Area Seed System Initiative and the Sisters of Providence of St. Vincent de Paul to pass the collection of seeds to the Kenhteke Seed sanctuary. The ceremony solidifies the dedication of these groups to ensure the availability of healthy, viable seeds for future generations to come. It also ensure that Indigenous seeds continue to thrive now, and into the future.

To make a donation to the Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary, or to learn more, please visit https://kenhtekeseedsanctuary.com.