- Our Story
The Story of Three Sisters
The story of the Three Sisters is a cherished narrative of our relatives the Haudenosaunee, it is a beautiful tale that weaves together themes of cooperation, balance, and sustainability, reflecting the connection that Indigenous peoples have with the Land.
In a world where the sun shines brightly and the earth is fertile there lives three sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash. They are not sisters by blood but by Spirit and purpose…
Corn is the first to be planted among the trio; as the first to be sown, corn provides structure for the beans to climb and space for the squash to expand. Corn is seen as the leader; supporting her sisters and helping to create a solid foundation for their unity. Our Matriarch, Sarah, embodies the character of Corn, as founder and eldest sister, she is tall and strong, reaching towards the sky of possibilities. Sarah provides both energy and stability to our work, she supports our collective growth and continually shares in the abundance. Her presence creates a supportive environment where creativity can thrive, encouraging everyone to share their ideas. By involving team members in decision-making and project planning, Sarah helps cultivate a sense of ownership and engagement that is vital for our success.
Beans, the middle sister, is agile and vibrant, climbing up the sturdy corn stalks with ease, playing a vital role in the Three Sisters dynamic through their resilience, flexibility, and problem-solving skills. Known to restore the soil with their nitrogen-fixing qualities, Beans enrich the earth for future generations. Three Sisters’ staff, like Beans, are highly skilled individuals who enhance projects with their unique insights and expertise; in our collaborative working culture, each team member’s skills complement those of others, creating a synergy that leads to innovation and positive outcomes for clients.
Squash, the youngest of the sisters, spreads her leafy arms, creating a protective canopy over the soil and roots of other plants. Operations Manager, Donna, truly models the role of Squash, preventing weeds from taking root and shielding our team from unnecessary stressors. The sprawling nature of Squash encourages interaction, highlighting the importance of cooperation and collaboration. Donna fosters a positive and inclusive working culture, she prioritizes staff wellbeing by advocating for a healthy work-life balance, and creates initiatives that support the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of our team. Whether attending to our weekly ‘watering’ at all-teams meetings, or seeking the best benefits packages, Donna creates a nurturing environment that truly enhances job satisfaction and staff retention.
The story of the Three Sisters teaches us about balance, cooperation, and the interconnectedness of all life. Each element plays an important role in the greater ecosystem, illustrating how different strengths work together to create a flourishing environment. In this narrative, Corn provides support, Beans enrich the soil, and Squash offers protection. This symbiotic relationship serves as a powerful metaphor for our organization, highlighting the importance of interdependence and synergy among team members. The Three Sisters remind us that when unique traits complement each other, we can achieve remarkable growth and success together.
