It’s #MovieNightFriday and it is November which actually is the month of National Indigenous Heritage Month. There are over 500 Tribes in North America alone but the most known are the Iroquois, Apache, Cherokee, Navajo, Sioux, and Wampanoag. You can find out more about the tribes in our Native Indigenous Heritage Month section of our Lessons (working on updating). I personally believe it is important to recognize that each tribe is different.

That being said, Thanksgiving is next week and Americans associate the holiday with the Pilgrims sharing a feast with the Wampanoag tribe in 1621. Now that is partly true, the feast lasted a week long but it wasn’t all rainbows and roses, or should I say Turkey and Stuffing. There is no note on what exactly the first meal consisted of but we can guess it also included Geese, Duck, Venison, Seafood, Vegetables (corn, pumpkin) and much more that was coming to the end of harvest during that time. But what is all the controversy about when it comes to Indigenous and thanksgiving? Well when the Pilgrims sought refuge in the colonies, they spread diseases to the tribes killing off 90% in the region. So now Indigenous people see thanksgiving as a time of mourning while other American races (those that had immigrated for centuries) see thanksgiving as a time for thanks and family time.

Moving on to Pocahontas. Her story is actually a very sad one that Disney romanticized. Pocahontas was a notable Powhatan Indigenous young woman whose real name was Matoaka.

She is most notable for her association with the colonial settlement at Jamestown, Virginia. She was the daughter of Powhatan, the paramount chief of a network of tributary tribes in the Tsenacommacah, encompassing the Tidewater region of Virginia.

Pocahontas was captured and held for ransom by the Colonists during hostilities in 1613. During her captivity, she was encouraged to convert to Christianity and was baptized under the name Rebecca. She married tobacco planter John Rolfe in April 1614 at the age of about 17 or 18, and she bore their son Thomas Rolfe in January 1615. She died a few years later never returning home to her tribe.

I know that was two very dark history lessons related to the films but unfortunately that’s what most of History is about. We learn the truth about events and people.

Anyway, below are traditional dishes that Indigenous tribes make.

GRILLED CORN ON THE COB – Dinner at the Zoo

“This grilled corn on the cob is ears of fresh corn that are cooked until charred and caramelized, then brushed with garlic and herb butter. A quick and easy side dish that’s perfect for summer entertaining.” – Jacque

SCALLOPED CORN CASSEROLE – Dinner at the Zoo

“This scalloped corn is a creamy, cheesy casserole made with plenty of corn and crushed crackers. A delicious side dish that’s easy enough for an everyday dinner yet decadent enough to serve for a holiday meal.” – Jacque

FRY BREAD TACOS – Muy Bueno

“When I know I’m headed home I begin to crave all the dishes that remind me of El Paso. Growing up near the Tigua Indian Reservation one of the dishes I remember are “Pueblo Tacos”. They used to sell these tacos at Wyngs, which is no longer in business and at church bazaars. I believe these tacos are sometimes served at the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo Museum on Saturday mornings when they bake their famous Tigua bread in Pueblo hornos.” – Yvette

SPICED PUMPKIN COOKIES WITH RAISINS AND NUTS – Muy Bueno

“If you’re someone who loves putting everyone’s favorite winter squash in everything, I hear you! These southwest chunky, chewy Spiced Pumpkin Cookies are bursting with crunchy nuts and sweet, plump raisins for a fun new riff on the pumpkin spice craze.” – Yvette

Shortbread Cookie Recipe (Easy Recipe from Scotland) – Christina’s Cucina

“This shortbread cookie recipe is directly from Scotland. You can be sure it’s authentic; and if you follow all my tips, you’ll have the best tasting shortbread, ever! (And I’ll tell you why it’s truly not even a cookie!)” – Christina