Food

Our story begins not in Guelph, but on the First Nation's Menominee Reservation in Wisconsin, where an archaeological dig unearthed a clay vessel the size of a tennis ball. This vessel, over 800 years old, held the seeds of a squash species believed to be extinct. A discovery that ignited the curiosity of Canadian students, eager to test the viability of these ancient heirloom seeds that had been buried for centuries.

As reported in a recent news story, these students successfully cultivated an ancient, extinct squash from the seeds found in that vessel. Named "Gete-okosomin," which translates to "Big Old Squash”. It symbolizes a time when food was a right of citizenship and serves as a reminder that the vegetables we see in our grocery stores today are just a fraction of the diverse plant varieties that have existed.

Now, fast forward to our very own Hope House Food Market Coordinator Susan, who brought a Gete-okosomin squash from Manitoba to Guelph by train. We want to celebrate the journey of a squash but the stories embedded within its seeds, a squash that traveled through time to remind us that our commitment to sustainability and heritage echoes the wisdom of those who came before us.

Once at Hope House the squash made its way into the hands of our community Chef Kay, and a new chapter began—the creation of a soup that would not only warm our bodies but also our spirits. The vibrant colours and rich flavours of the soup mirrored the diversity and richness of our community.

But the story doesn't end there. The seeds of this ancient squash, carefully collected and preserved, were shared with members of our community. These seeds are more than just potential plants; they are symbols of our shared commitment to sustainability and growth. Each seed represents a promise—the promise of a future harvest and the promise of a community united in purpose.