SweetGrass Trading Company opens 2025 Native scholarship applications

a group of graduates jumping in the air and holding diplomas

SweetGrass Trading Company, a proud member of the Ho-Chunk Trading Group and a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., is excited to announce that the application period for our 2025 Native Scholarship Program is officially open. As part of our ongoing mission to foster economic development for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, we are thrilled to extend […]

Employee Spotlight: Sam Fister

Sam Fister headshot

    Hometown: Lytton, IA  What is your education and background? I graduated from Morningside University with a B.S. in Marketing in 2023. I have been working in social media for 3-4 years.  Describe your role at SweetGrass Trading Company. I am the Social Media Coordinator for Ho-Chunk Trading Group and PEX Group. I plan, […]

SweetGrass Trading Company receives recertification as a Minority Business Enterprise

Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council logo

SweetGrass Trading Company is excited to announce our recertification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) by the Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council (MPMSDC). Having first achieved this prestigious recognition in 2022, we’ve been successfully recertified each year since, solidifying our commitment to providing valuable services while supporting Native American businesses.  What is MBE Certification? […]

Pemmican: A timeless Indigenous tradition

Photo of Pemmican bars stacked on top of a wooden cutting board

Pemmican, a nutrient-dense and portable food, has long been a staple in the diets of Native American people. It’s a food that tells the story of survival, resilience, and ingenuity. For centuries, pemmican served as a crucial source of sustenance, prized for its ability to preserve nutrition in the harshest environments and under the most […]

Celebrating the 2025 National Center’s 40 Under 40 Winners

NCAIED 40 under 40 logo

SweetGrass Trading Company is honored to congratulate the outstanding individuals recognized as part of the 2025 40 Under 40 awards, presented by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED). This prestigious award highlights the leadership, initiative, and dedication of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and First Nations young leaders who are making […]

Three common honey myths

bottles of Ioway Bee Farm honey

Honey has been valued for centuries not only for its sweetness but also for its health benefits. However, many myths surround this golden nectar. Let’s explore some common honey myths and uncover the truth behind them.  Myth #1: Stored honey doesn’t change over time A common belief is that honey lasts forever and will not change […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Lloyd George

Photo of Chef Lloyd George wearing a white shirt that says "Lloyd George Sous Chef"

Name: Chef Lloyd George   Location: Fort Hall, ID Shoshone Bannock Reservation   Education/background: Le Cordon Bleu Seattle WA & Las Vegas NV, Culinary Institute of America (CIA) CEIP Program   Business name: Current Buffet Manager at the Shoshone Bannock Casino/Hotel.   Tribal Affiliation: Shoshone Bannock Tribal Member    What led you to your passion for indigenous foods? My passion […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Zack Neptune

Photo of Chef Zack Neptune. He is wearing a black shirt and backwards baseball cap and has two braids. There is a lake and trees in the background of the photo

  Name: Zack Neptune Location: Penobscot Nation Reservation Education/background: Chef/Restaurant Management Business name/title: Katahdin Kitchen Tribal affiliation: Penobscot Nation Descendant What led to your passion for indigenous foods? My passion for indigenous foods truly began just a few years ago, though I can remember times of food insecurity while growing up that helped shape who I am […]