06/03/2026
𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐳
By Ann Marie Vanderveen Journal Staff Reporter
Wednesday, Jun 3, 2026 2:49 PM
Good Sam’s Food Pantry is hosting a free squash planting and water resources workshop at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in its garden at 30 N. Beech St. in Cortez.
“Every time we work in the garden, host a workshop or share its harvest with others, we reclaim this little spot in the parking lot behind the pantry for the sharing of knowledge and methods, the building of community, and remembering how to relate to the seeds and to food and to each other,” Kirbi Foster, the food pantry’s executive director, said.
The workshop invites adults and kids alike to learn about companion planting via the Four Sisters Method.
Workshop leader Brandon Francis, who is a Diné scientist and culture bearer, has been gardening in the Four Corners region for over a decade. His partner and their 5-year-old daughter also help lead the workshops, centering Indigenous knowledge and stories.
“There (were) ways in the past that were very beneficial, and passing on that knowledge is part of what I like to do,” Francis said. “Helping people overcome those fears of trying to reconnect with their roots is part of my work.”
Along the way, Francis will also discuss the history of water resources in the Four Corners, connecting historic challenges to the modern day drought afflicting Montezuma County.
“The Indigenous people have undergone mega droughts, which are very similar, and have survived,” Francis said. “The strength of our ancestors is what will carry us through because they have undergone similar situations.”
Foster added that the workshop will cover people’s relationship with water, assessing its changes over time and explaining how plants are able to adapt to water availability.
Foster said everyone is welcome to attend. The workshop will feature crafts for kids and traditional Diné drinks and food, inviting a family-friendly atmosphere.
“Anyone who wants to know how to grow squash and how to companion plant, anyone who is interested in reconnecting to their Native seeds and stories, and anyone who's maybe just feeling a little isolated and would like a welcoming space to be in with other people, they should come,” Foster said.
Francis added that anyone looking for good food, plant talk, an agricultural history lesson and social and nature connections should join.
Those planning to attend can register by calling 970-565-6424 or emailing [email protected]. Those interested in learning more about the free garden workshop series can follow the pantry on Facebook and Instagram or email [email protected]
