Chef Pyet DeSpain on the Power of the Three Sisters: Corn, Beans, and Squash

Invite the Three Sisters to the Table: Pyet DeSpain Speaks on Indigenous Resilience with The Today Show

Throughout history, some of the world’s greatest legends have centered on the strength of sisterhood. For Indigenous communities, that sacred trio is found in the land: corn, beans, and squash — known as the Three Sisters. These are not just crops. They are companions. They are tradition. They are survival.

In a recent interview with The Today Show, I had the honor of sharing the story of the Three Sisters and what they continue to represent for Indigenous people across Turtle Island.

As an Indigenous woman and member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Tribe, this trio is something I grew up learning about not just in stories, but through the soil. These three plants thrive when grown together. The corn stands tall, the beans climb and fortify the stalk, and the squash sprawls along the ground, protecting and nourishing the roots. They work in harmony — a living lesson in cooperation, support, and resilience.

I told TODAY, “This trio really support each other when they grow together, both physically and nutritionally. For us, this represents our interconnection with each other — really being able to symbolize cooperation, community and resilience.”

That message couldn’t be more important, especially as we reimagine what our holiday tables can look like. Inviting the Three Sisters to Thanksgiving is a powerful act of remembrance and reclamation. It’s a way to honor the foods that have nourished our people since time immemorial. It’s also a way to invite real conversations about Indigenous history, survival, and ongoing contribution.

As I continue this work in Indigenous Fusion Cuisine, I carry these stories and symbols with me — not as a trend, but as truth. The Three Sisters aren't just nourishment. They’re a mirror of who we are when we support one another: strong, diverse, and deeply rooted.

If you’re thinking about what to cook this season, consider adding the Three Sisters to your table. But more importantly — take a moment to honor where these foods come from and the people who continue to grow them in strength and spirit.