Native Scholarship Program now open for applications

We are thrilled to announce that the Native Scholarship Program by SweetGrass Trading Company, a proud member of Ho-Chunk Trading Group, is now accepting applications for the academic year of 2024-2025. About the Scholarship: -Amount: One $1,250 scholarship will be awarded annually. -Eligibility: Eligible applicants must be enrolled members of Indian Tribes and pursuing education […]

Customer feature: Mitchell Museum of the American Indian

Wide angle photo ot the Mitchell Museum gift shop; various shelves are shown with things like jewelry, books, art and shirts

In the heart of Evanston, Illinois, nestled within the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, lies a hidden gem – the Mitchell Museum Gift Shop. The shop stands as a beacon of empowerment and resilience, showcasing the talents of Indigenous entrepreneurs and artists from across the U.S. The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, a […]

Ho-Chunk, Inc., employee wins 40 Under 40 Award

Photo of Aaron LaPointe in a black hat and black shirt and jeans. There is a field of corn in the background. The left side of the photo features the NCAIED 40 Under 40 logo.

Provided by Ho-Chunk, Inc. The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development has awarded Aaron LaPointe, an enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and business director at Ho-Chunk, Inc., its “Native American 40 Under 40 Award.” This prestigious national award recognizes Native American citizens for outstanding leadership and community contributions. It is bestowed […]

SweetGrass Trading’s sister company donates profits to local mental health organization

Ho-Chunk, Inc., and Winnebago Public Health employees with large check for $1876.30.

Guest post by Rachel Walters at tribalteaco.com (Tribal Tea Co. is part of Ho-Chunk Trading Group, a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc. Tribal Tea Co. is available at SweetGrass Trading Co. and tribalteaco.com.) At Tribal Tea Co., we don’t just provide tea; we offer an experience that resonates with tradition, community, and well-being. As a company deeply […]

‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ star nominated for Best Actress at Oscars, leading Indigenous representation

Photo of Lily Gladstone in Killers of the Flower Moon. She is sitting in a chair near a window. Her hair is pulled back and she has a blanket wrapped around her arms.

The film “Killers of the Flower Moon” received 10 nominations, including a nod for Best Picture, during the announcement of the Academy Award nominees in late January. Screenwriter Eric Roth and Director Martin Scorsese adapted their screenplay from David Grann’s nonfiction book by the same name, published in 2017. The narrative unfolds in 1920s Oklahoma, […]

Find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift with SweetGrass Trading Co.

Show your love and affection this year with our Valentine’s Day gift list, curated to enchant and delight your loved ones. From soothing teas to illuminate cozy moments, to fragrant candles casting a warm glow, and indulgent self-care gift boxes designed for ultimate relaxation, our selection encompasses heartfelt tokens for every cherished relationship. Candle gift […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Anthony L. Warrior

Indigenous man in traditional headpiece standing at podium that reads "2022 Indigenous Peoples Summit"

Name: Anthony L. Warrior Location: Nebraska Indian Community College – Santee, NE Education/background: Bachelor of Business Management/Human Resources Business name: Warriors’ Palate Catering and Consultation Tribal affiliation: Absentee Shawnee/Mvskoke-Father; Sicangu Lakota-Mother What led to your passion for indigenous foods? I believe it started when I was a young man participating in tribal ceremonies in Oklahoma. […]

Five products to keep you cozy this winter

As the winter chill sets in, creating a warm and cozy haven becomes essential for embracing the season with comfort and joy. In this curated list of five winter essentials, we explore the transformative power of SweetGrass Trading Company products to make your home inviting and warm. Whether you seek the flickering ambiance of a […]

Brewing Prosperity: The Journey of Tribal Tea Co., a Ho-Chunk Inc. Subsidiary

Tin of black Tribal Tea Alfalfa Spearmint on a wooden table

by Rachel Walters at tribalteaco.com In the heartland of Nebraska, where the traditions of the Winnebago Tribe resonate through time, a unique venture has emerged – Tribal Tea Co. More than just a purveyor of exquisite teas, Tribal Tea is a testament to the vision and resilience of the Winnebago Tribe, operating under the umbrella of Ho-Chunk Inc., the […]

Five unexpected ways to use Navajo Mike’s Barbecue Sauce

Navajo Mikes Barbecue Sauce

Established in 2020, Navajo Mike’s Barbecue started as a small dream in the kitchen and now has become a reality in the heart of Tempe, Arizona. Blending old-fashioned-style barbecue sauce with the homegrown taste of Arizona and diverse herbs and spices. Navajo Mike’s “Original” Southwest Style Barbecue Sauce can be used as more than a […]

Wrapping up 2023

2023

As we bid farewell to 2023, it is with great pride that we reflect upon the accomplishments we have made in the past twelve months. We have navigated challenges and embraced opportunities, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever. From new product launches to strategic collaborations, and a commitment to supporting Indigenous business, the efforts […]

Five facts about wild rice: A journey through culture, health, and tradition

Uncooked wild rice on a white background

Rooted in a long-standing tradition with Native American communities, wild rice holds a sacred place among the Ojibwe and Menominee, ingrained in ceremonies and harvest rituals. As we uncover these five facts about wild rice, we unravel a narrative that spans centuries, reflecting its enduring importance in both cultural traditions and contemporary cuisine. Wild rice […]

Yaupon Brothers receives prestigious local award for sustainability efforts

Yaupon Brothers logo

Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co., a SweetGrass vendor, was recently recognized with a Made in the South Award from Garden & Gun magazine. The award was given in recognition of the company’s commitment to sustainability. According to the Garden and Gun website, the Sustainability Award, “celebrates a Southern maker who has committed to conservation and […]

Ho-Chunk Farms completes 2023 Indian Corn harvest

Employees of Ho Chunk Inc and members of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska harvest Indian Corn Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023 in Winnebago, NE. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

The annual Indian Corn harvest in Winnebago took place on September 5. The majority of the harvest took place in the Ho-Chunk Village Farmers Market area. Nearly 125 community members and Ho-Chunk, Inc. employees showed up to help with the process, which includes handpicking, husking, then blanching the corn in large pots over a fire […]

Winnebago Senior Center is selected as 2023 Summer Ho-Chunk Way recipient

Photo of four people at Winnebago Senior Center putting a puzzle together at a table

Provided by Ho-Chunk, Inc. Communications Our employees have selected the non-profit as our 2023 Summer Recipient of the Ho-Chunk Way Employee Donations Program. Last year alone, the Winnebago Senior Center served more than 10,000 meals and made countless deliveries year-round for seniors who are homebound. These meals are not only nourishing for their bodies, but […]

SweetGrass announces 2023 scholarship recipient

Headshot of Major Elliott

SweetGrass Trading Company is excited to announce Major Elliott as the 2023 Ho-Chunk Trading Group scholarship recipient. Elliott is a member of the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) and resides in Washington, DC. He is a 2021 graduate of Franklin High School in Somerset, NJ. Elliott is a junior biology major with a minor […]

Ho-Chunk Trading Group employees attend Reservation Economic Summit 

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development presents RES 2023 April 3-6, 2023 Las Vegas, NV

Five employees from Ho-Chunk Trading Group attended the Reservation Economic Summit (RES) at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. SweetGrass Trading Company is just one company under Ho-Chunk Trading Group, a subsidiary of Ho-Chunk, Inc., the economic development arm of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.  Several other Ho-Chunk, Inc., subsidiaries were represented at the Ho-Chunk Pavilion in […]

Types of corn and how to use them

various corn

This post is inspired by the book “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman  The early cultivation of corn made a huge impact on Native people. Not only did corn feed many people, but it didn’t require hunting, fishing, trapping or gathering. Growing corn could be done from home. This freed up time to […]

Easy snacks with roasted local seeds

Squash seeds pouring from a jar

This post is inspired by the book “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman  Seeds of local vegetables such as squash, pumpkin, sunflower and maple make a delicious, healthy snack when roasted. They can also be used in sweets such as cookies and granola, or as a garnish for salads and soups. Once roasted, […]

Yaupon Brothers American Tea Company

Bryon and Kyle White

Yaupon Brothers American Tea Company was founded in 2012 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, by brothers Bryon and Kyle White.  Bryon, who has a background working in law enforcement, said he has always been a plant enthusiast and is part of the Florida Native Plant Society. When he started diving into the story of Yaupon, […]

Bee pollen: What is it and how do I use it?

Ioway Bee Farms bee pollen

Most of us know about the health benefits of raw, organic honey products. But what about bee pollen? What is it and how can it be used? Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, wax, honey and bee secretions. Honey bees collect pollen from wild plants and flowers and bring it back […]

Wild greens to forage for indigenous recipes

dandelion greens on a basket

This post is inspired by the book “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman  Many people don’t know that wild greens such as dandelion greens, purslane and plantain can be used in various recipes. These plants are typically picked from lawns and considered nuisances, but many wild greens are packed with healthful vitamins and […]

Takelma Roasting Company

Takelma mug, coffee bag and grinder with a natural background

Takelma Roasting Company was founded in 2017 and is owned and operated by the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe, which is located in Southwestern Oregon. Takelma is the traditional language of the Tribe, and is only spoken in that region.  The Tribe launched the company after realizing how much they were spending to supply […]

Ramona Farms

Ramona and Terry Button photo

Ramona and Terry Button began farming in 1974 on a ten-acre allotment near Sacaton, Arizona, on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Their first crops included barley and alfalfa; the Ramona Farms line of products has since grown to include wheat and corn products, black eyed peas, garbanzo beans and Tepary beans. Ramona’s father, Francisco ‘Chiigo’ […]

Interview with an Indigenous Chef: Crystal Wahpepah

Crystal Wahpepah headshot

  Name: Crystal Wahpepah Location: Oakland, California Business name: Owner, Wahpepah’s Kitchen Tribe: Kickapoo  What led to your passion for Indigenous foods? I always loved Native foods and I got to cook at a young age with family. It came so natural for me to be in the kitchen, like it was my gateway to […]

CatSpring Yaupon

Abianne Falla and JennaDee Detro

Native herbs and seasonings to keep on hand

photo of seasonings on spoons

This post is inspired by the book “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen” by Sean Sherman  Keep these herbs and seasonings in your pantry to add flavor and depth to your indigenous recipes.Some of these grow in the wild and can be foraged. For those that aren’t available, visit your local organic market or health food […]

How to cook with Tepary beans

variety of Tepary beans

SweetGrass Trading Company is proud to offer a variety of black, brown and white Tepary beans from Ramona Farms in Sacaton, AZ. Tepary beans have been part of the Native way of life for years. They have been cultivated for at least a thousand years by the Natives of the Sonoran desert, the Akimel O’odham […]

Indigenous cookbooks to add to your reading list

person looking at cookbook

Looking for inspiration on how to cook indigenous recipes? We’ve compiled a list to help you begin. Check out the cookbooks below (in no particular order) for indigenous recipes, cooking tips and tricks, and even traditional stories! Keep in mind there are many other authorized indigenous cookbooks available. These are eight to help you get […]

SeaBear Smokehouse

pacific-northwest-smoked-salmon-collection-2018-a_1

SeaBear Smokehouse was founded in 1957 by fisherman Tom Savidge and his wife, Marie, in Anacortes, Washington. The pair began selling smoked salmon to local taverns and cafes and their product became quite popular.  The company, now called SeaBear Smokehouse, was originally named Specialty Seafoods. The name was changed in the early 90s to ground […]