top of page
home header.jpg

About Us

We are on a mission to help the community learn about traditional Haudenosaunee agricultural methods of planting, growing, harvesting, seed keeping, food preparation, food storage, tool making, and crafting. 

Ukwakhwa is a nonprofit organization growing traditional, heirloom foods with an emphasis on Haudenosaunee varieties of corn, beans, and squash. We host a variety of events where the community comes to learn about planting, growing, harvesting, seed keeping, food preparation, food storage, and making traditional tools and crafts. ​

 

With our ongoing goals in mind, an Oneida faithkeeper named our property

Ukwakhwa: Tsinu Niyukwayayʌthoslu (Our foods: Where we plant things).

Our Story

In the spring of 2017, Oneida Nation citizens Steve and Becky Webster purchased 10 acres of land on the Oneida Reservation. The following year, with the help of friends and family, they built a home. Initially, they envisioned a space to research, learn, experiment (or, as Steve would say, "send it!"), and then share their knowledge with the community. Their goals continue to develop as they host events led by their team or other organizations doing similar work.

 

Seven years and multiple construction projects later, Steve and Becky continue to look into the future and assess the needs of the community. They both volunteer their time to manage the farmstead and put on events. 

2021 July Event Becky and Steve.jpg

"Our philosophy is that every time an Indigenous person plants a seed, that is an act of resistance, an assertion of sovereignty, and a reclamation of identity."

Meet Our Team

Profile - Rebecca Webster.png

Rebecca 'Becky' Webster

Executive Director

Gise profile.png

Giselle 'Gise' Oliva-Metoxen

Program Development Specialist

steve W.jpeg

Stephen Webster

Farm Operations Director

Michele Doxtator.jpg

Michele Doxtator

Events Assistant

Our Partners

1.png
2.png
3.png
First Nations Logo.png
NAFSA_logo-1_edited.png
bottom of page