Join Becky and Steve Webster of Ukwakhwa as they share their family’s journey from growing Tuscarora white corn in their backyard to creating a 15-acre homestead rooted in Indigenous food sovereignty. Named Ukwakhwa: Tsinu Niyukwayay^thoslu (Our Food: Where We Plant Things), their farm is a space where community members come together to learn about growing, harvesting, seed keeping, and traditional foodways. Becky and Steve will reflect on how caring for the land and their heirloom crops is both an act of cultural reclamation and a path toward healing and connection.
After their talk, Becky and Steve will lead a hands-on corn pounding demonstration using a traditional Haudenosaunee mortar and pestle to pound toasted white corn. Participants will also sample warm corn mush, a simple and nourishing dish prepared from the pounded corn. Participants will also learn about its significance in Haudenosaunee food culture. Together, they’ll share stories, techniques, and insights into the labor, love, and values embedded in every seed and every bowl.
Presenter
Becky and Steve Webster, Oneida Nation citizens in Wisconsin, grew their first crop of Tuscarora white corn in 2015. They co-founded Ohe·láku, a co-op of Oneida families growing Iroquois white corn, and later established a 15-acre homestead named Ukwakhwa: Tsinu Niyukwayay^thoslu (Our food: Where we plant things). Their goal is to teach community members about growing, preparing, and preserving traditional foods and crafts. They share their knowledge through their YouTube channel, Ukwakhwa, and in 2021, launched Ukwakhwa Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to cultural revitalization. Follow their journey on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or ukwakhwa.org.
This program is sponsored by Beyond the Page with support from the Madison Community Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities.