Do you feel connected to the plant life around you? Join us for a program series from a native perspective on local plants, foodways and stewardship. Learn about efforts to restore, preserve and promote indigenous foodways in the Great Lakes region. Engage with hands on activities like basket weaving, corn pounding and food sampling. Consider sustainable approaches to foraging and planting. Recognize and grow relationships to support a healthy future!
Programs:
Indigenous Foodways in the Great Lakes Region with Wild Bearies
Join the Wild Bearies for an in depth discussion focusing on Indigenous foodways in the Great Lakes region covering topics such as culturally relevant foods for the Ho-Chunk peoples and the importance of foraging and farming.
Presenter
Wild Bearies is an educational, community outreach nonprofit that strives to bring ancestral foods to communities in a nurturing and nourishing way. With goals of building stronger tribal communities through food, we are also a mentorship program. We work with our ingredients from seed to table, while promoting traditional food systems and farming techniques.
Dates & locations:
- Saturday, September 20th at 2pm at Monona Public Library
- Wednesday, October 1st at 5pm at Deerfield Public Library
- Wednesday, October 8th at 1pm at Waunakee Public Library
Ho Chunk Crafts & Foods with Kimberly Crowley
Black Ash Basket Weaving
Saturday, October 4th at 1-2:30pm at DeForest Area Public Library
Paper Basket Weaving
Saturday, October 18th at 1-2:30pm at Verona Public Library
Ho Chunk Food Sampling
Saturday, October 25th at 1-2:30pm at Oregon Public Library
Presenter
Kimberly Crowley, Thunder Clan of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Master Black Ash basket maker for over 45 yrs, following in the footsteps of mother Christine Hall and grandmother Lula LInk, all having baskets in museums here in Wisconsin as well as the Smithsonian in DC, recent video for Discover Wisconsin about the Black Ash baskets.
Ukwakhwa: Hands-On Corn Pounding and Haudenosaunee Foodways
Join Becky and Steve Webster of Ukwakhwa as they share their family’s journey from growing Tuscarora white corn in their backyard to creating a 15-acre homestead rooted in Indigenous food sovereignty. Named Ukwakhwa: Tsinu Niyukwayay^thoslu (Our Food: Where We Plant Things), their farm is a space where community members come together to learn about growing, harvesting, seed keeping, and traditional foodways. Becky and Steve will reflect on how caring for the land and their heirloom crops is both an act of cultural reclamation and a path toward healing and connection.
After their talk, Becky and Steve will lead a hands-on corn pounding demonstration using a traditional Haudenosaunee mortar and pestle to pound toasted white corn. Participants will also sample warm corn mush, a simple and nourishing dish prepared from the pounded corn. Participants will also learn about its significance in Haudenosaunee food culture. Together, they’ll share stories, techniques, and insights into the labor, love, and values embedded in every seed and every bowl.
Presenter
Becky and Steve Webster, Oneida Nation citizens in Wisconsin, grew their first crop of Tuscarora white corn in 2015. They co-founded Ohe·láku, a co-op of Oneida families growing Iroquois white corn, and later established a 15-acre homestead named Ukwakhwa: Tsinu Niyukwayay^thoslu (Our food: Where we plant things). Their goal is to teach community members about growing, preparing, and preserving traditional foods and crafts. They share their knowledge through their YouTube channel, Ukwakhwa, and in 2021, launched Ukwakhwa Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to cultural revitalization. Follow their journey on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, or ukwakhwa.org.
Dates & locations
- Thursday, November 13th at 6pm at Rosemary Garfoot Public Library (Cross Plains)
- Friday, November 14th at 2pm at Marshall Community Library