Celebrate National Native American Heritage Month with Native American Inspired Cuisine
The indigenous people are as diverse as the regions they live. The food represents each ecosystem that supported these communities and the flavors tell stories that are rooted in folklore and seasonal living. In November, we celebrate this diversity that defines our communities now and use these recipes as an inspired glimpse into the various dishes of the indigenous people.
Native American Inspired Recipes
- RECIPE -
TOMATO, CHICKEN & WILD
RICE SOUP
Tender chicken stewed to perfection
in a tomato based broth.
- RECIPE -
MAPLE GLAZED
BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Sweet, fork-tender squash
in a maple butter glaze.
- RECIPE -
FRESH
CORN SALAD
Crisp corn mixed with onions
and peppers in a simple vinaigrette.
- RECIPE -
ROASTED SALMON WITH
POTATOES & ASPARAGUS
Flaky dry-rubbed salmon paired with
tender potatoes and fresh asparagus.
- RECIPE -
WHITE BEAN SAGE
STUFFED SQUASH
A harvest favorite! Nutty, sweet squash
with a vegetable herb stuffing.
In the Community
At Big Y, community is who we are. As neighbors, we recognize the contributions of the Indigenous people. We honor the resilience of this culture and learning from the past, we gain a better understanding of the diversity within our communities. Check out these educational spots and discover more about the cultures local to our region.
The Mohegan Tribe
Tantaquidgeon Museum
Uncasville, CT
The Tantaquidgeon Museum, operated by the Mohegan Tribe, is the oldest Native American owned and operated museum in the United States. The original stone structure made of native granite was built in 1931 at the height of the Great Depression by John Tantaquidgeon. The museum strives to meet its mission to share the Mohegan culture with the community and visitors that wish to experience and learn about the history of the Mohegan people from the Mohegan perspective.
Peabody Museum of
Archaeology & Ethnology
Cambridge, MA
The Peabody Museum at Harvard cares for cultural heritage, including objects and images, from diverse people from around the world and across time. The Peabody has a complicated and sometimes difficult history, but today we are guided by our principles of ethical stewardship, and we aim to welcome and inspire visitors to connect and engage with the collections and each other through exhibits, research, and programs.
Massachusetts Archaeological Society Museum
Middleborough, MA
Ready to dig into the past? The Massachusetts Archaeological Society welcomes you to the Robbins Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Here you can check out artifacts dating back 12,000 years. Their collection holds rare books, photographs and excavation records.
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Museum
Mashpee, MA
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Museum is dedicated to retelling the histories of the Wampanoag people. Find ancient artifacts and Native American heirlooms to help you learn about this native culture. The centerpiece? A large diorama depicting an early settlement.
Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center
Mashantucket, CT
There is a lot of history packed into 85,000 square feet at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. Immersive exhibits allow you to experience the sights and sounds of the ice age and a walk around a Pequot Village. Here you can learn about the impact of the arrival of Europeans on native culture and what reservation life looks like today.
The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum & Research Center
Washington, CT
Tucked on 15 wooded acres in rural Connecticut is The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum & Research Center. In addition to a replicated Algonkian village, they also offer visitors the opportunity to take part in a Wigwam escape room challenge. The IAIS prides itself on showcasing modern Native American Cultural Endurance.
