TAHLEQUAH, Okla. (AP) – The Cherokee Nation says it will begin dispersing heirloom seeds to tribal citizens interested in growing traditional Cherokee crops and plants next month.

The Tahlequah-based tribe keeps an inventory of seeds from rare breeds of corn, beans, squash, gourds, Trail of Tears beads, tobacco and several plants traditionally used for Cherokee customs. The seeds aren’t sold in stores.

The tribe plans to begin dispersing the seeds Feb. 1. Last year, the tribe distributed more than 3,400 packages of seeds to Cherokee citizens.

Principal Chief Bill John Baker says the seed bank is an important way the tribe can preserve its history and heritage.