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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.” […]
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! […]
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! […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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, 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 […]
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 […]
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! […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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? […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
(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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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” […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]