Our Roots

Hours of Operation:

Who We Are:

Ratinenhayén:thos

Ratinenhayén:thos is a non-profit organization dedicated to the sustenance and growth of the Kenhte:ke Seed Sanctuary and Learning Centre in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
The KSSLC is dedicated to growing heirloom and Indigenous seeds, including those specific to the Rotinonshyon:ni, and ensuring the availability of healthy, local seeds for the next seven generations.
Keeping seeds in the hands of our communities.

Mission Statement

To cultivate the Kenhte:ke seed sanctuary and learning centre to preserve heirloom and heritage seed varieties in order to ensure the availability of healthy seeds for future generations and to deliver related workshops to children, youth and adults in accordance with Rotinonhsyón:ni cosmology and tradition.

Vision Statement

To create a sacred and safe space in which to ensure the availability of and knowledge about healthy, organic and culturally relevant seeds for our youth, our community, our neighbours and our collective future generations.

Cultural History of Seed Saving for the Haudenosaunee

For the Rotinonhsyon:ni, seed saving goes back to our creation story. In our creation this world was made of water, and above us was the Sky World where spirit beings lived.

Agricultural History of Tyendinaga

Continued Agriculture in Tyendinaga

Origins of the Seed Collection

Mouck Family

Passing of the seeds and their relationship with the Sisters of Providence

Passing of the seeds to Tyendinaga

Executive Committee:

Jennifer Brant

Janice Brant

Nikki Auten

Curtis Maracle

Sean Story

Emma Brant-Edwards, youth rep

Affiliated Links:

Seed Change

Sovereign Seed

Kanhiote Library

Tsi Tyonnheht Onkwawen:na (TTO)

Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte (MBQ)

Kenhteke Seed Sanctuary in the News:

Sisters confident heirloom seeds will be ‘treasured for the future’ – Kingston Whig Standard, April 25, 2019

Project puts down new roots – Kingston Whig Standard, April 3, 2018