SweetGrass receives funds to conduct international research 

Rural Export Center US Commercial Service logo

Using funding from the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), SweetGrass Trading recently became the first company in Nebraska to conduct research with Rural Export Center Rural America’s Intelligence Service for Exporters (RAISE). The RAISE program provides rural U.S. companies with one-on-one market intelligence from a team who identifies customized industry-specific insights and contacts. SweetGrass will utilize this […]

Interview with an Indigenous Food Activist: Anthony Johnson 

Photo of Anthony Johnson in black sweatshirt with beaded necklace and Native art in the background

Name: Anthony Johnson Location: Seattle Education/background: University of Minnesota Twin Cities – Finance  Business name: ʔálʔal Café Tribal affiliation: Red Lake Ojibwe  What led to your passion for Indigenous foods? I didn’t grow up connected to my culture. I grew up in Minneapolis and, although it’s a very vibrant Native community, I was distanced from my culture due to historical […]

2022 Year in Review

2022 Year in Review graphic

We can’t thank our loyal customers and vendors enough for the successful year we’ve had. In 2022 we were able to attend conferences, give workshops and webinars to share industry knowledge and onboard new customers from across Indian Country. Below we’ve recapped some of the best moments of the year. We wish you and yours […]

Ho-Chunk, Inc. 2023 internship application now open 

2023 interns wanted image

We are now accepting applications for our 2023 Summer Internship Program, which is a full-time, paid position. Based on educational goals and interests, interns are placed across a wide range of projects and business sectors.  The Ho-Chunk, Inc. Summer Internship Program is designed to give students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs hands-on experience at […]

SweetGrass represented at annual agriculture conference 

Intertribal Agriculture Council logo

Account and Brand Manager Molly Roe attended the 2022 Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC) Annual Conference this week and represented SweetGrass Trading Company. This year’s gathering marked the 35th anniversary of the IAC and was held at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas on December 6-8.  Roe met with attendees and agricultural leaders in Indian Country […]

2022 Holiday gift guide 

Holiday Gift Guide 2022

It’s time to get Holiday shopping wrapped up and we’re here to help. At SweetGrass, we have a gift for everyone – colleagues, clients, friends and family members…and even something for yourself! Below are some of our favorite gift ideas for 2022.   Gift boxes We currently have three gift box options, making it easier than ever […]

How to honor and respect Native American culture this Thanksgiving 

blue bowl with three sisters squash, corn and beans and wild rice

This Thanksgiving, we encourage you to see the Holiday through a Native perspective. While many of us learned that the first Thanksgiving included a joyful, peaceful meal between Native people and pilgrims, that isn’t the case at all.    In reality, the assembly of the Wampanoag people and English settlers in 1621 was less about a […]

Five mouth-watering, kid-friendly recipes using Saunooke’s Mill chicken and fish seasoning 

Saunooke's Mill Stoneground Chicken and Fish Seasoning

Saunooke’s Mill chicken and fish seasoning is made with corn flour, potato flakes, salt, pepper, onions and paprika. It contains no chemicals or preservatives. This seasoning is delicious on basically anything you can battery and bake or fry. Below we’ve highlighted a few recipe ideas that are kid-friendly, easy to make and tasty!  Chicken tenders  We’re […]

Honoring Native American Heritage Month 

Native American Heritage Month graphic

November is Native American Heritage Month! According to the National Congress of American Indians, this month is “a time to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories and to acknowledge the important contributions of Native people. Native American Heritage Month is also an opportune time to educate the general public about tribes, to […]

Limited edition items for the Holidays 

Native Favorites gift box displayed

We have some exciting things in store for the Holiday season this year. If you’re looking for a gift for a friend, family member, colleague, or client, we have you covered. We will be offering two limited edition gifts this year. We will also have some great Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals you won’t […]

Saunooke’s Mill 

Mr. John Parker holding a bag of grits in the Saunooke's Mill store

Established in 1975, Saunooke’s Mill is a landmark on the Cherokee Indian Reservation at the entrance to the Great Smokies National Park.  The property on which the mill sits has been in the Saunooke family for many generations.  The land was handed down to Charles Saunooke from his parents, former Principal Chief Osley Saunooke and […]

Five ways to practice self-care 

steaming mug on top of an open book

Self-care has become a popular trend, especially among millennials. Self-care is the practice of maintaining health and well-being through activities such as reading, taking bubble baths, journaling, and any other thing the individual enjoys.    According to Psychology Today, “self-care is a continuous process of proactively considering and tending to your needs and maintaining your wellness.”  […]

Three comforting recipes to try this fall 

smoked salmon pasta on red and black plate

When the weather gets crisp and the leaves start to fall, nothing sounds better than a cozy night at home with a warm, home cooked meal. We have plenty of great autumn recipes on our website, but below we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites. Try them and let us know how they turned out!  […]

MORE health benefits of drinking tea 

Photo of pitcher of tea being poured into blue mugs

We previously covered the potential health benefits of enjoying a cup of tea, including soothing an upset stomach, improving sleep and blood pressure and managing weight. Today, we will cover even more health benefits. What are you waiting for? Grab a cup of Tribal Tea Co. loose-leaf herbal tea and start your health journey today!  […]

Interview with an Indigenous Food Activist: Ethan Tyo

Ethan Tyo in white shirt with white brick background

Name: Ethan Tyo Location: Syracuse, NY Education/background: Syracuse University ’17 G’22 Project name: The AlterNative Project Tribe: Akwesasne Mohawk, Wolf Clan  What led to your passion for indigenous foods? This project and the drivers behind it came from my personal experiences growing up in a food desert where many of our traditional food sources were damaged or restricted. It wasn’t […]

Maple syrup recipes that are perfect for autumn

bottle of passamaquoddy maple syrup with white background

There’s something about the toasty, sweet and savory taste of maple syrup that makes it the perfect addition to fall recipes and comfort food. Below, you’ll find a list of some of our favorite recipes* that utilize this versatile ingredient. Choose your favorite recipe and pick up your own bottle of Passamaquoddy Maple Syrup from […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Joe Robbins

Chef Joe Robbins in restaurant kitchen

Name: Joe Robbins Location: Milo, Maine Education/background: Professional restaurant experience for 10+ years Business name: Executive Chef at Bissell Brothers Brewing Company Tribal affiliation: Wabanaki   What led to your passion for indigenous foods? I’ve looked up to and learned from some of the other chefs that you’ve interviewed for this series, such as Sean Sherman, Brian Yazzie and Nephi Craig. […]

Frequently Asked Questions (revisited) 

FAQ concept on wooden cubes and flower in a pot in the background

We want to make sure our customers are always updated on the latest news and resources from SweetGrass Trading. Below, you’ll find some new FAQs, as well as ones we’ve covered in the past. Please email us at sweetgrass@sweetgrasstradingco.com if there’s anything we missed!   Are you Native owned?  Yes, we are owned by Ho-Chunk Trading […]

Why olive oil quality matters 

close up photo of olives on an olive branch

Have you been using the cheaper olive oil you can find on the shelf? You might be missing out on various health benefits and better tasting food! When it comes to olive oil, quality and source matters. Below we’ve covered a few of the reasons why you shouldn’t always reach for the least expensive bottle, […]

SweetGrass announces 2022 scholarship recipient 

photo of Grace Kennedy

SweetGrass is excited to announce Grace Kennedy as the 2022 Ho-Chunk Trading Group scholarship recipient. Kennedy is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and resides in Kansas City, MO. She is a 2021 graduate of Staley High School in Kansas City.   Kennedy is a sophomore pre-nursing major at the University of Kansas with […]

Five must-try hot sauce hacks

Tomatillo salsa verde. Bowl of spicy green sauce on gray table, mexican cuisine.

Hot sauce is one of America’s most popular condiments, and according to a recent survey by grocery delivery service Instacart, 74 percent of people eat hot sauce with their food. With different flavors, heat levels and styles, it’s no surprise this versatile ingredient is so popular.   Some of the most popular ways to use hot […]

How can tea benefit my physical health? 

Women doing yoga with tea next to her

We previously covered the potential benefits enjoying a cup of tea can have on your mental health. But are there any physical benefits? And if so, what are they and how can you get the most out of your tea drinking experience? Each type of herbal tea boasts unique benefits on your health. Below we’ve […]

SweetGrass adds hot sauce to line of Native-made products 

Sakari Farms Fire Roasted Hot Sauce

SweetGrass is excited to announce a new product on our online store, Sakari Farms Fire Roasted Hot Sauce!   SweetGrass has worked with Sakari Farms (also known as Sakari Botanicals) for several years to provide items such as smoked salts, bath scrubs, salves, lotions, oils and much more to our customers.   The new Fire Roasted Hot […]

Red Lake Nation Foods

bottle of chokecherry syrup and wild rice pancake mix

Red Lake Nation Foods is owned and operated by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians in Redby, Minnesota. The company was founded in 2005 as an effort to create jobs on the reservation and support food sovereignty. SweetGrass is proud to offer Red Lake Nation Foods wild rice, pancake mix and chokecherry jelly and […]

SweetGrass joins online marketplace to connect with minority-, women- and veteran-owned businesses 

NDVSB logo

SweetGrass Trading Company recently joined the National Diversity Veteran Small Business (NDVSB) marketplace, powered by ePS, a leading provider of eMarketplace solutions, which is helping connect both federal and private organizations with diverse businesses.  As a National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), SweetGrass can now better provide Native American-made products to […]

The mental health benefits of tea 

Cropped shot of a woman having a tea break at home

A warm cup of tea is the perfect way to start and end your day. Tea can help us unwind, leaving us feeling relaxed and calm. Tea can help relax your body, and it boasts several mental health benefits as well. Research is showing that enjoying a cup of your favorite tea can improve your […]

Meet the 2022 Ho-Chunk, Inc. interns

photo of interns outside by statue

We are pleased to welcome 23 interns who have started placements across the company and country, including our offices in Winnebago, Sioux City, Bellevue, and Fairfax, VA!  In the coming weeks, they’ll gain hands-on experience and receive valuable mentorship as they collaborate on projects within their offices and their communities.  Ho-Chunk, Inc. knows the value […]

Four ways to “hack” your tea

close up of loose leaf alfalfa spearmint tea

Does the idea of drinking tea sound about as exciting as drinking hot water filled with grass? Don’t worry…you can use these simple tea hacks to improve your tea drinking experience and make it more enjoyable! Experiment with the ideas below until you find something you like. You can shop our line of loose leaf […]

Ho-Chunk, Inc. announces 2022 Ho-Chunk Way employee donation program recipient  

provided by Ho-Chunk, Inc. Communications  Ho-Chunk, Inc. is excited to announce the new annual recipient of the Ho-Chunk Way Employee Donations Program! The 2022 recipient is the Winnebago Tribal Farm.  The Winnebago Tribal Farm is creating a local, sustainable food system by growing and providing fresh foods to the people of the Winnebago community. In […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Jessica L. Pamonicutt

Chef Jessica Pamonicutt standing in front of trees and Land of Menominee sign

Name:  Jessica L. Pamonicutt Location: Chicago Education/background: Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Business name: Ketapanen Kitchen Tribal affiliation: Menominee  What led to your passion for indigenous foods?  I grew up in Chicago, 250 miles away from my home, my reservation, my family and my culture. When you grow up disconnected in such a way, I feel like […]

Summer skincare must-haves 

hands applying lotion

Heat, allergies, bug bites, sunburns…the summer months may be filled with vacations and adventure, but they’re not always kind to our skin! Luckily, we have an array of products that can help keep you moisturized, cleansed and glowing through the dry summer season!  Blue corn face mask  The summer heat and humidity can clog up […]

SweetGrass launches line of herbal teas 

tribal tea co logo

SweetGrass Trading Company recently launched a new line of loose-leaf herbal teas, which are now available to purchase! Single tins and wholesale orders can be purchased at www.tribalteaco.com. You can also purchase a tea subscription box to get your favorite flavors delivered monthly. Ten percent of all proceeds from the tea sales will go to […]

 Lakota Honey Lodge 

Lokota Honey Bottle

Lakota Honey Lodge products are developed by Honey Lodge Youth Enterprise, a program of the non-profit organization Lakota Youth Development (LYD). The organization is located on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota and presently includes all of Todd County within its recognized border.   Todd County ranks as the second poorest county in the U.S. […]

2022 Native Scholarship Program application now open  

Scholarship mini graduation cap on cash

SweetGrass Trading Company is a member of Ho-Chunk Trading Group. Our mission is to help provide economic opportunity for the Winnebago Tribe. But we are also dedicated to helping other Native people get a hand up to build a better future.  We are proud to offer a Native Scholarship Program for eligible Native college students […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Jordan Rainbolt

Indigenous Chef: Jordan Rainbolt infant of brick wall. Photo is in black and white

Name: Jordan Rainbolt Location: Winston Salem, NC Education/background: Chef apprenticeship through Johnson County Community College Business name: Native Root Tribal affiliation: Cherokee  What led to your passion for Indigenous foods? My mother has Native American heritage from her father’s side (Cherokee and Choctaw). Growing up, my mother taught my brother and I about Indigenous culture. I want to highlight this […]

Val’s Frybread

Vals Fry bread on a table next to soup

from the Val’s Frybread website  In 2018 Valene Hatathlie was working towards her master’s degree from Arizona State University while holding down a full-time job.    After getting laid off from her job, Val had to find another way to pay for tuition, program fees, and books. Initially, she tried selling her woven twill rugs, but […]

Interview with a Chef and Indigenous food activist: Amy Foote

Chef Amy Foote foraging produce

Name: Amy Foote, Senior Area Executive Chef Location: Anchorage, Alaska Education/background: Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Health Care Environmental Services Professional, Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts, Constant Learning Business name: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Nana Management Services  What led to your passion for indigenous foods? I have had a passion for foraging, hunting, fishing and growing my […]

The National Center Names 2022 Native American 40 Under 40 Recipients

NCAIED 40 under 40 logo

from the National Center of American Indian Enterprise Development   The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (The National Center) announced the 2022 class of Native American 40 Under 40 award recipients. The Native American 40 Under 40 awards represent the best and brightest emerging Indian Country leaders. Every year, 40 American Indian, Alaska Native, […]

Five ways to use olive oil that you’ve probably never tried

bottle of olive oil with white background

We all know that olive oil can be used as for sautéing, baking and frying foods. You may even use it to make a dipping sauce for bread and crackers or as a marinade for meat and fish. Below, we’ve listed five ways to use olive oil that you may have never heard of. Do […]

Benefits of blue corn

Blue Indian corn

Blue corn is a variety of flint corn originally grown in Mexico. It was developed by the Hopi, the Pueblo Indians of the Rio Grande in New Mexico, and several southeastern U.S. tribes. Blue cornmeal is made from ground blue corn and is a staple in many indigenous dishes. It boasts several health benefits and […]

Ho-Chunk Way donates to Whirling Thunder, Youth Shelter

Whirling Thunder director with youth and large check

Provided by Ho-Chunk, Inc.  Two Winnebago community programs recently received nearly $92,000 total in donations from Ho-Chunk, Inc. employees across the company and country.  The contributions to Whirling Thunder Wellness Center and the Winnebago Youth Shelter are through the Ho-Chunk Way Employee Donation Program, an employee initiative to make a direct and lasting difference in […]

What is sweetgrass and how is it used?

sweetgrass braid with white background

We receive quite a few questions about our company’s name and where it comes from, so let’s dive into what sweetgrass is and what it means for the Native community. We are named after the sweetgrass plant (sometimes called buffalo grass or vanilla grass), an herb native to Eurasia and North America. Sweetgrass has been used […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Brian Yazzie

Chef Brian Yazzie in front of a Native outdoor mural

Name: Brian Yazzie Location: Saint Paul, MN Education/background: Associate of applied science in culinary arts Business name: Yazzie The Chef, Yazzie The Chef TV, Intertribal Foodways, The Yaz Podcast Tribal affiliation: Dine’/Navajo  Brian Yazzie aka Yazzie The Chef (Diné/Navajo) is a chef and food justice activist from Dennehotso, AZ, and is based out of Saint Paul, MN. He is […]

Five ways to serve smoked salmon

Close up view of a slate tray with smoked salmon on rustic wood table. DSRL studio photo taken with Canon EOS 5D Mk II and Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM

Smoked salmon has been made and enjoyed by Native people for thousands of years, and Natives hold salmon in high respect. Many tribes depended heavily on the dish to get them through cold winter months and long journeys. Smoked salmon is made by salting and smoking fresh caught salmon at a high temperature so that […]

SweetGrass receives Minority Business Enterprise Certification

NMSDC

We are excited to announce that SweetGrass Trading Company has received a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification from the Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MPMSDC).    What is the MBE Certification?  The MBE Certification is awarded to businesses with at least 51 percent ownership by a minority group or individual, including United States citizens who […]

Yaupon vs. tea – What are the differences and similarities?

yaupon holly

Guest piece by Bryon White, joint CEO and co-founder of Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co. In America, the term “tea” is often applied to virtually any infusion of herbal plant material and water, regardless of whether or not that plant material is actually derived from the tea plant. For the sake of convenience, this article […]

Navajo Mike’s Barbeque Sauce

bottle of Navajo Mike's barbecue sauce with white background

Navajo Mike’s was founded in 2020, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, by Michael John. John realized there are all kinds of barbecue styles including Texas style and Kansas City style; however, there wasn’t much representation in Southwest style barbecue.   John decided to change that, and began experimenting using prickly pear cactus juice, […]

Chokecherries 101

wild chokecherries

Chokecherries, or Prunus Virginiana,  grow on shrubs and small trees all across  the U.S., except in the deep South. They are native to North America and are in the same genus as cherries and plums. They are best known for their exciting, sour and tangy flavor. Chokecherries are one of the most widely distributed woody […]

Interview with an Indigenous food activist: Kirsten Kirby-Shoote

Interview with an Indigenous food activist: Kirsten Kirby-Shoote

Name: Kirsten Kirby-Shoote  Location: Detroit, Michigan   Education/background: Worked as an apprentice on multiple farms  Business name: Seed steward at Leilú Gardens   Tribal affiliation: Tlingit   What led to your passion for indigenous foods?   My passion mostly stems from not seeing representation or accessibility, in tangible forms, of indigenous foods. Detroit is really far ahead of […]

A guide to Native American restaurants across the U.S.

A guide to Native American restaurants across the U.S. a photo of a restaurant with a white plate and wine glasses

Planning a family vacation or road trip? Don’t forget to add these Native American restaurants to your itinerary! Below we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Native restaurants in the U.S. Let us know if you have another favorite Native restaurant, café or food truck in the U.S. that we may have missed!  […]

Applications open for Ho-Chunk, Inc. summer internship program

last year's interns with Lance Morgan, CEO

The Ho-Chunk, Inc. Summer Internship Program is designed to give students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs hands-on experience at an innovative Native American-owned company that prides itself on a strong social mission and community impact. Ho-Chunk, Inc. interns become an active part of the team from day one. Our personalized approach to learning and […]

Cooking with salsa: thinking beyond the tortilla chip

Santa Fe Seasons Fire Roasted Salsa

When most of us think of salsa, we probably associate it with a heaping bowl of tortilla chips. Salsa is such a versatile condiment that can be used in a variety of unique, delicious ways. Here are some ideas we came up with. Order our Apple Canyon Gourmet salsa today and try some of these out, then let us know your favorite way to […]

Wrapping up 2021

It’s time to say goodbye to 2021 and make plans and set new goals for 2022! But first, we wanted to recap our year. We’ve accomplished quite a bit, and we couldn’t have done it without our loyal customers, vendors and partners!   Below, we’ve highlighted some of our biggest accomplishments that are worth celebrating. We […]

Comforting Native American recipes to make for Christmas dinner

"Any" Bean Soup

Looking to change things up for your Christmas dinner this year? Look no further! Below are three hearty, comforting Native dishes that you and your family are sure to love. Let us know what your favorite Native dish is in the comments!  “Any” bean soup  1 ½ cups washed dry beans (we recommend Ramona Farms Tepary beans)  7 cups […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Nico Albert

Nico Albert headshot

Name: Nico Albert  Location: Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal Lands (Tulsa, OK)  Education/background: Self-taught chef & caterer  Business name: Burning Cedar Indigenous Foods  Tribe: Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma  What led to your passion for indigenous foods?  As a chef, I connect and communicate through the language of food. I grew up in California and Arizona, far removed from my Cherokee community. […]

2021 Holiday Gift Guide

2021 holiday gift guide

It’s time to wrap up Holiday gift shopping! Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, colleague, teacher or client, we have you covered. This year’s gift guide features some of our classic favorites as well as some exciting new items you won’t want to miss out on. Place your order by Dec. 17 to ensure […]

SweetGrass employees to attend Tribal food and ag conference next month

The SweetGrass team is excited to attend the 2021 Intertribal Agricultural Council (IAC) Annual Conference. Last year’s conference was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s conference will be held at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas from Dec. 7-9.   SweetGrass employees will meet with attendees, artisans and other exhibitors to share the SweetGrass story and products, as well as discuss current trends and issues in Native food and ag.  […]

Honor Indigenous culture this Thanksgiving with a Native dish

indian corn soup

This Thanksgiving, we encourage you to see the Holiday through a Native perspective. While many of us learned that the first Thanksgiving included a joyful, peaceful meal between Native people and pilgrims, that isn’t the case at all.   In reality, the assembly of the Wampanoag people and English settlers in 1621 was less about a friendly celebration and meal and […]

What is Native American Heritage Month?

Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska 155th Pow Wow Celebration

November is National Native American Heritage Month, also called American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month. This serves as a time to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of Native people and honor their rich and vibrant cultures.    Both Natives and non-Natives can celebrate this month by learning more about Native culture and supporting the Native […]

Quinault Pride Seafood

quinaultprideseafoodlogo

Quinault Pride Seafood was established in 1960 by the Quinault Indian Nation on the Washington coast on the Olympic Peninsula. The Taholah, Washington, based company was founded to create economic sustainability through carrying on the way of life of the Quinault people. The company’s mission is to provide jobs to the community and preserve the Quinault heritage.   According to the Quinault […]

The Nizhoni Soap Company

The Nizhoni Soap Company

The Nizhoni Soap Company was founded in July 2019 by now 12-year-old Kamia Begay. She and her parents, Rhianna Brown and the late Tom Begay, decided to start the business to share their all-natural Navajo Native American scents with the world.   Kamia is in charge of her entire brand, with the help of her mother and a handful of employees.  She makes all […]

SweetGrass supports university-led panel of residential school survivors

SOU logo

In partnership with Southern Oregon University (SOU), SweetGrass recently donated small gifts to boarding school survivors and descendants who were part of a panel for SOU’s Native American Programs: Boarding School Healing Community.   SOU’s Native American Student Union and Native American Studies program have been working together since this summer to honor and bring awareness to the victims of […]

I-Collective launches multimedia cookbook project

i-collective logo

The I-Collective is releasing a multimedia, digital cookbook featuring recipes, videos, stories and more from Indigenous chefs and community members. The cookbook will also feature supplemental webinars to help teach community members about the importance of food sovereignty and traditional food systems for Indigenous peoples.  The goal and purpose of this project is to create meaningful conversations […]

CatSpring Yaupon recognized as certified organic

ROC-logo

One of SweetGrass Trading’s yaupon tea vendors, CatSpring Yaupon, recently became Regenerative Organic Certified. It is the first yaupon producer to do so.   Regenerative Organic Certified™ is a revolutionary new certification for food, textiles, and personal care ingredients. ROC™ farms and products meet the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness. CatSpring received certification in 2021 […]

SweetGrass becomes member of national Native American tourism group

AIANTAlogo

SweetGrass recently became an official member of the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association (AIANTA). According to the organization’s website, “For nearly two decades, AIANTA has served as the national voice for American Indian nations engaged in cultural tourism. In addition to serving as the voice for Indian Country tourism, AIANTA provides technical assistance and training to […]

Magic Star Sage

white sage lavender

SweetGrass is proud to offer sage from Magic Star sage, a Cherokee-owned business from Sacramento, California. Owner Narey Keomorakoth founded the business in 1998.  Keomorakoth started the business because she wanted to share the plant medicine and its blessings. She and her family began harvesting sage on their five acres of land in Northern California. From cutting the fresh plants to handcrafting and tying the […]

SweetGrass YouTube channel seeks to educate consumers on using Native American foods

Smoked salmon pasta dish

One of the main goals at SweetGrass is to make Native-made products accessible to all through our online store. We want to make sure everyone, even those in urban areas, are able to purchase things like sage, Indian Corn, wild rice and Native-made beauty products. However, it’s about more than accessibility — it’s also about education.   In 2020, SweetGrass began a major […]

Indigenous foods from South America

Amaranth flowers

If you aren’t new to this website, you know that SweetGrass sources products from various Tribes and Tribal entities through the U.S. Our products must either be made by Native Americans or meet certain criteria to be sold in our online shop. You can learn more about our product classifications here.   We choose our vendors carefully and make sure […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Rick Powless

photo of Chef Rick Powless

Name:  -Traditional name is Lakhwawyʌhu (Good Cook)  -English name is Rick Powless  Location: Six Nations of the Grand River Territory  Education/background:  -Fanshawe College, Apprenticeship  -Red Seal Chef (Canada)  -Dip. Ed. (Diploma in Education-Secondary), University of Western Ontario  Business name: Standing Stone Foods  Tribe: onʌyoteˀa ká, ohkwaliha ká (Oneida Nation of the Thames, Bear Clan)  What led to your passion for indigenous foods?  […]

Back to school breakfast ideas

bottle of chokecherry syrup and wild rice pancake mix

It’s back to school season, and that means preparing breakfasts that are both delicious and nourishing. We have plenty of ideas for you for those days when you just don’t feel like having another bowl of cereal. Plus, these products are made with traditional Native ingredients.   Wild rice pancake mix and syrup  This gift set includes one bag […]

Nemi plant-based snacks

Nemi was founded by Mexican native Regina Trillo in 2019, after not feeling represented when she visited the “ethnic” aisle at a grocery store in Chicago.  She found well-established brands showing Mexican-inspired products in a stereotypical way and using questionable ingredients.   “I started Nemi with the idea of combining my 3 passions: health, transparency and LOVE […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Freddie Bitsoie

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Freddie Bitsoie

Name: Freddie Bitsoie Location: Gallup, NM Education/background: Scottsdale Culinary Institute Business name: F J Bits Tribe: Navajo   What led to your passion for indigenous foods?   That is a loaded question because it was an unplanned journey in my anthropology studies. Back in 2007-08 I came across the term, “native American cuisine”. It did not make sense to me, but it was one that was very […]

Bow and Arrow

Blue-Cornmeal

At the base of the legendary Sleeping Ute Mountain in Colorado, between Four Corners Monument and Mesa Verde National Park, lies the home of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. That’s where Bow & Arrow started in 1962.  The company has been proudly producing high quality products ever since. Bow & Arrow is part of the Ute Mountain […]

SweetGrass announces 2021 scholarship recipient

Sharon Bassette headshot

SweetGrass is excited to announce Sharon Bassette as the 2021 Ho-Chunk Trading Group scholarship recipient. Bassette is a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and is a resident of Winnebago. She is a 2018 graduate of Todd County High School in Mission, SD.  She is currently a senior at Morningside University in Sioux City, where she studies political science with minors in […]

Three ways to use honey in your beauty and skincare routine

honey stick dripping with honey comb in background

Most people know honey is great as a natural sweetener in your tea or drizzled on top of your frybread. But did you know you can use honey to get shinier hair and healthier skin? Shop our Ioway Bee Farm natural honey on our website and try some of these beauty hacks below.   Use honey as a face mask Raw honey boasts various […]

Three ways to cook with blue cornmeal

blue corn

Blue cornmeal has been used for decades in traditional Native dishes. Originally developed by the Hopi tribe, it is ground from whole blue corn and has a fresh, sweet flavor. Blue cornmeal can be used in a variety of ways and in several dishes. Below, we list three ways you can use Bow and Arrow blue cornmeal at […]

The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen

(bio from From https://sioux-chef.com/)  Sean Sherman, Oglala Lakota, born in Pine Ridge, SD, has been cooking across the US and World for the last 30 years.  His main culinary focus has been on the revitalization and awareness of indigenous foods systems in a modern culinary context.  Sherman’s cookbook, “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen,” can be purchased in our shop.   […]

Three recipe ideas for your next summer potluck

Caprese salad close up

Outdoor picnics and potluck dinners are back this summer, and we’re here to help you make a dish that will leave friends and family saying, “Share that recipe with me!” These three recipes take a modern spin on classic Native foods such as smoked salmon, wild rice and Tepary beans! Let us know your favorite potluck meal […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Justin Pioche

Name: Justin Pioche Location: Upper Fruitland, NM Education/background: Kirtland Central High school (diploma), Arizona Culinary Institute (Certificate in Culinary Arts) Business name: Pioche FoodGroup, LLC  Tribal affiliation: Navajo. Salt Clan Navajo born for the Folded Arms People  What led to your passion for indigenous foods? I was not raised traditionally. I was born in Farmington, NM, but spent a lot of my time in Phoenix, AZ, throughout my life. That […]

Snacks for your next outdoor adventure

Hiking and camping season has arrived! We’ve made a list of snack ideas that are healthy and can be easily packed and stored for outdoor travel. Share your favorite camping snacks with us in the comments.   P.S. Don’t forget to protect your skin and apply Little Hands Hawaii sunscreen before heading outdoors!  Tanka Bars Tanka buffalo bars are built on our ancestors’ knowledge of the Ideal Portable […]

tawâw: Progressive Indigenous Cuisine by Shane Chartrand

Tawaw Cookbook

Born to Cree parents and raised by a Métis father and Mi’kmaw-Irish mother, Shane M. Chartrand has spent the past ten years learning about his history, visiting with other First Nations peoples, gathering and sharing knowledge and stories, and creating dishes that combine his diverse interests and express his unique personality.   The result is “tawâw: Progressive Indigenous […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Mariah Gladstone

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Mariah Gladstone

Name: Mariah Gladstone Location: Babb, MT (Blackfeet Reservation) Education/background: Bachelor of science in environmental engineering, Columbia University; Master of science in Environmental Science, State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (In Progress) Business name: Indigikitchen Tribe: Blackfeet, Cherokee  What led to your passion for indigenous foods? While I was encouraged from a young age to experiment in the kitchen, seeing the health issues that plague Indian […]

Native scholarship application due June 30

Applications for the Native Scholarship program are due on Friday, June 30. SweetGrass will award a $1,250 scholarship to an eligible applicant who meets our the following criteria: • Be an undergraduate student who has not already earned a bachelor’s degree.• Be an enrolled Tribal member of a qualified Indian Tribe. (See qualified Indian Tribes/Reservations […]

SweetGrass honors local high school graduates

graduates throwing caps

SweetGrass Trading Company honored local graduates of Winnebago High School with small gifts of white sage, a Tanka bison bar and congratulatory letters. Forty-one students graduated from Winnebago High on Sunday, May 16.   The last year has been difficult for many students due to COVID-19. SweetGrass employees wanted to honor the students with a gift and acknowledge all […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz

Name: Felicia Cocotzin Ruiz Location: Rio Verde, AZ Education/background: Natural foods chef and traditional healer Business name: Kitchen Curandera Tribe:  Xicana with Tewa lineage on mother’s side  What led to your passion for indigenous foods? Having grown up eating many of our traditional foods, I also saw how many of them were disappearing from our lives as the standard American diet became more prevalent. During that time I saw my mother […]

SweetGrass donates to National Alliance on Mental Illness fundraiser

NAMI

SweetGrass Trading Company recently donated a gift basket to a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Walks Team. Each year thousands of people across the U.S. gather to help raise awareness and support for those living with a mental health condition.   According to the NAMIWalks website, “On the day of the event, NAMIWalks participants, mental health advocates, and NAMI partners will step up our […]

Apple Canyon Gourmet

Santa Fe Seasons Fire Roasted Salsa

When Anna Shawver moved from New Mexico to the Pacific Northwest in the mid 1980s, she was left with a deep longing for everything she had taken for granted in her home state. She missed the music, dance, fiestas, food and family gatherings. Some of her favorite New Mexican foods were not available in the […]

Meet the blog writer

Molly Roe headshot

Name: Molly Roe Title: Account and Brand Manager Education: University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications – Master of Arts in Communications Tribal affiliation: Ioway Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska  What do you do at SweetGrass?  I am the account and brand manager at SweetGrass Trading Company. I help the team find new vendors and handle the onboarding process to bring […]

A discussion about sage

sage bundles

by Molly Roe with contributions from Lewis St. Cyr, program director, HoChunk Renaissance Program  We get a lot of questions about sage at SweetGrass Trading Company, and we want to take a minute to have a discussion.   Sage is a medicine and traditionally, medicines are to be gifted. Many Native people do not condone the selling of sage, while […]

Tanka Bars

bison

SweetGrass Trading Company is proud to offer Tanka Bars, meat bars made with bison and cranberries, in a variety of flavors. Tanka Bars are similar to traditional pemmican or Lakota wasná, which is a pounded mix of dried buffalo meat and berries. Loosely translated in Lakota, “wasná ” means “all mixed up.”  The Tanka Bar was created in 2006 on […]

El Paso Saddleblanket Company

El Paso Saddleblanket Company

El Paso Saddleblanket Company began when Dusty and Bonnie Henson were traveling along Route 66 selling turquoise jewelry and Mexican saddleblankets out of the back of their old truck.  During their travels, they met a man who owned several trading posts in New Mexico. The man asked the Hensons if they were interested in manufacturing Southwest-style rugs. The Hensons took him up on the offer and […]

Join a panel discussion, cooking demonstration and more led by Chef Sean Sherman

Chef Sean Sherman

by Rachel Hatch, Illinois State University Oglala Lakota Chef Sean Sherman will explore decolonizing the food system with events at Illinois State University on April 14 and 15.  Founder of the company The Sioux Chef, Sherman will share his journey of discovering, reviving, and reimagining Indigenous cuisine with the talk “The (R)evolution of Indigenous Food Systems of North America” […]

Cooking with Chiles

Chile peppers

Chiles can add a spicy kick and bold flavor to almost any recipe, whether it’s meat, stew, salsa or salads. There are several varieties of chiles available—the degree of heat depends on the location its grown, the variety, and the time of harvest. In her cookbook, “Foods of the Southwest Indian Nations,” Chef Lois Ellen Frank, Ph.D., describes several types […]

Top indigenous blogs to read today

photo of person typing on computer and looking at a blog

Want to learn more about Native culture and modern issues surrounding Indian Country? Check out these popular blogs, then tell us your favorite Native-focused blog in the comments! Turtle Talk Turtle Talk is known as the “leading blog on legal issues in Indian Country.” Visit this blog to hear from Native lawyers, educators and other professionals about current […]

How to make and use hominy

How to make and use hominy

Hominy takes a little extra time to make, but is fairly easy and can add texture and color to salads, soups and skillets. Purchase some of our Indian Corn and make your own hominy today! The following hominy recipe is from the cookbook “Foods of the Southwest Indian Nations” by Chef Lois Ellen Frank, Ph.D.   How to make hominy:  -2 ¾ cups dried Indian Corn -10 cups water -1 cup culinary ash […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart

Name: Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart Location: Rapid City, SD Education/background: Cornell University- entrepreneurship, Native American studies and economics Business name: Et-i-quette Catering Company Tribe: Oglala Lakota Sioux  What led to your passion for indigenous foods? I have been cooking for my family since I was about 8 years old. Every summer we would come home to Pine Ridge to be with my mother. She always taught me […]

Join the University of Minnesota to celebrate indigenous women chefs

University of Minnesota logo

The Annual Conference on Native American Nutrition is excited to announce “Celebrating Indigenous Women Chefs”.  This first of its kind webinar series highlights the culinary expertise of Indigenous women through seven LIVE cooking demonstrations. Join us each month as the featured guest chefs share their skills, knowledge, wisdom, and recipes.  Tuesday, January 12th, 12:00 pm […]

Interview with a Chef: Lois Ellen Frank, Ph.D.

Join the University of Minnesota to celebrate indigenous women chefs

Name: Chef Lois Ellen Frank, Ph.D.  Location: Santa Fe, NM Education/background: Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico in Culinary Anthropology (2011)  Business name: Red Mesa Cuisine, LLC   What initially led to your passion for indigenous foods? I think it was ingrained in me from the beginning. My mom always instilled in us that everything is interconnected and that you can’t do one […]

SweetGrass coordinates hand sanitizer donation distribution for tribes

SweetGrass Trading Company recently worked with several organizations to distribute donated hand sanitizer to the Twelve Clans Unity Hospital in Winnebago and three other local tribes.  shift7, an innovation company located in Arizona, Washington, D.C., and New York, has helped tribal leaders to access donations of personal protective equipment and supplies such as masks, hand sanitizer, isolation […]

Three ways to cook with Indian Corn

Indian corn

Indian Corn, or Flint corn, is one of the oldest types of corn and comes in a variety of colors. It can be used to make hominy, polenta, cornmeal, soups, and much more. Every year, Ho-Chunk Farms harvests Indian Corn on the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska using traditional methods. Community members can get involved by helping […]