“The pumpkins are the most successful (crop). People usually get a lot of those,” – Courtney Natseway
OKMULGEE – College of the Muscogee Nation Extension Program educators and students shared a harvest of traditional Mvskoke crops grown from heirloom seeds. Among the crops were Indian cvse (pumpkins), sofke corn, and Navajo white corn. This is part of the Heirloom Seed Program, an initiative that pays producers within the Mvskoke Reservation to grow traditional crops.
The goal of the program is to build up the seed supply to distribute among community members free of cost. The program has grown within the last year. In 2025, it had five or six producers. That number is now up to 10.
Extension Educator Courtney Natseway (Mvskoke/Yakama/Laguna Pueblo) said growing crops from heirloom seeds presents its own challenges. They are unlike modern-day crops and were originally grown in a much different environment in the homelands.
“We’re used to GMO varieties. We’re used to big, long corn cobs that are covered in big yellow kernels and things like that,” Natseway said. “These older, more traditional corns, they don’t grow that way. Sometimes they’re a little bit spacey or maybe not as big as we’re used to seeing.”
Natseway personally believes there is little difference in flavor between Indian pumpkins and common garden varieties. She pointed out that traditional foods are more nutritious because they are fresh and familiar to the Mvskoke digestive systems.
Adam Andrews (Navajo/Cree) is a natural resources major specializing in conservation. He currently serves as the secretary of the CMN Environmental Science Club and works as a work-study student. For Andrews, giving away traditional crops is significant because it encourages others to reclaim their own food sovereignty. He hopes they will inspire others to start their own gardens.
“Spreading the knowledge, giving someone the resources they need to pursue personal sovereignty. Because what we want to do is discourage going to the grocery store and getting foods for your ceremonial feast. We want people to grow their foods again, encouraging more gardeners, as that was part of our original tradition way back when,” Andrews said.
Andrews has grown corn and squash. He enjoys watching the squash as it grows and covers the ground.
Andrews comes from a family of gardeners. His father, Travis Andrews, is the owner of Native Farming Solutions, a nonprofit that teaches community members sustainable gardening techniques through educational workshops. Adam Andrews’ advice for new gardeners is to get active in your community and find gardening classes to attend.
Natural Resources Coordinator Kent Sanmann (Kiowa/Chickasaw) teaches about traditional seeds. He has been collecting native Oklahoma seeds since 1993 and has worked with others to preserve them.
Sanmann said that the biggest distinction between traditional crops and hybrids is that their seeds can be replanted every season. Hybrids require growers to buy new seeds every season.
“Traditional varieties may not be as productive, but they’re a lot more nutritious,” Sanmann said. “They still will produce, and they also don’t need all the chemicals, the fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.”
According to Sanmann, the fight for traditional seed preservation is existential- some are just three bad harvests away from extinction. Most varieties of traditional seeds in Oklahoma can’t even cover an acre of land.
Natseway said giving away the rare crops to community members is rewarding. Many who receive these crops either have never tried them or haven’t eaten them in a long time. According to Natseway, the crops are meaningful because they are uncommon.
“It feels great. The pumpkins are fun because I feel like it’s just in time for the holidays. People can cook them up during the holidays with their families. They’re fun because these are hard to find,” Natseway said.
Extension educators gave pumpkins to the CMN cafe, where they will be prepared for students and staff.
For further tips on saving pumpkin seeds and homemade recipe ideas, go here.
