Visitors learn kernels of culture at Kahnawake's annual Corn Fest

Mending relationships and promoting reconciliation throughfun and food was the goal of a corn festivalorganized between the two neighbouring communities of Kahnawake and Chteauguay, Que.

"It's important because there's so many people in Chteauguay who have never come to Kahnawake, and vice versa," said Kimberly Cross, tourism development agent at Kahnawake Tourism.

Cross's team, along with Maison Le Pailleur inChteauguay, organized the second annual Corn Fest.

"There are differences and similarities between our cultures," said Cross.

Corn was historically important to both communities and remains a familiar food.

"We thought that was one area where we could connect and share similar things," said Cross.

From food to dolls

Corn, or :nenste in Kanien'kha, is one ofseveral festivals in Haudenosaunee'scycle of ceremonies to give thanks to the natural world. Corn represents the leader of sustenance, and has deep roots connected to the Haudenosaunee creation story.

"It's the greatest gift the creator gave us besides life and creation," said Darrell Thompson, a cultural facilitator at Tsi Niionkwarih:ten Tsitewahhara'n Center.

"It's not just sustenance. It helps with our spirit and minds. Every part of the whole corn, from the roots all the way to the tassel, is medicine."

One of those medicines is the corn husk doll.

"If you make it and if you ever put some of your clothing on there, it represents you and safeguards your spirit to be home with you," he said.

The Haudenosauneenever put faces on corn husk dolls. While the legend varies, the basic story recounts how acorn husk doll was given a beautiful face. She would go from village to village to play with the childrenbut grew conceited, spending her days staring in the water at her reflection. Eventually, she fell in and her face rinsed off.

For Deer, the experience was equally enjoyable.

"It's nice to share it with everybody. People are hungry to learn about us," she said.