November is National Native American Heritage Month, which was officially declared in 1990. This month is a time to celebrate and honor the first Americans. In Massachusetts, only 1% of the population identifies as American Indian/Alaska Native at least partially, and less than half of that group identifies exclusively as American Indian/Alaska Native. While the population is small, the culture and contributions of indigenous communities in New England is rich.
Native American tribes may be federally recognized, state recognized, or neither. A tribe’s designation does not indicate anything about its significance or importance, but rather it affects how tribal leaders may interact with the American government. In Massachusetts, there are two federally recognized tribes—the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) of Massachusetts. Additionally, there is one state recognized tribe—the Nipmuc Nation. We encourage you to take some time this month to learn more about the native communities where you live, whether they are part of one of these three tribes or not. You never know what rich history and culture you may discover with just a small amount of searching.
Try a New Native American-Inspired Dish
Similar to previous cultural celebrations, our favorite way to recognize culture at SNAP-Ed is through food. Native American tribes are often known for a deep spiritual connection to the earth, plants, and animals. With this in mind, try to prepare some of the following meals with a deeper appreciation for the ingredients you use. Rather than simply cooking straight through the recipes, consider each food you use and how it may impact you personally and the world around you.
The “three sisters” are a group of plants traditionally grown in Indigenous communities in the Northeast U.S.—beans, maize, and squash. These three groups benefit each other in the ground, supporting each other’s growth instead of competing in the soil. Additionally, in this Three Sisters Soup, they are packed with nutrition. The protein, fiber, and vitamin C are a perfect combination for the fall.
For another take on the three sisters, this Three Sisters Inspired Succotash with Fiddleheads is sure to delight many people. It is a little sweet, a little spicy, and perfectly delicious. This recipe is part of the North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) Indigenous Food Sovereignty Project. The project, and therefore this recipe, feature ingredients that are native to the northeast region of the United States, meaning some of these foods can be found just around the corner. If you have the time, stop by a local farmers market (many still operate in the cooler months) to celebrate the local foods featured in this meal.
Finish off your meal with another NATIFS recipe that uses native northeastern foods. This Strawberry Coulis with Cinnamon Maple Whipped Cream & Sweet Crepes is a time commitment, but worth the work. If the recipe seems overwhelming, NATIFS also invited Native American chefs to demonstrate how to make these dishes in a series of cooking videos. Watch and follow along as you cook to make the dish a little simpler.
This November, celebrate Native American Heritage with a new meal. You may learn something new about the northeastern Native American communities. Indigenous food contributions have affected New England cooking for generations. For even more delicious recipes that are inspired by Indigenous culture, check out this Spotlight.
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