The work of UConn Extension's Farm to School is to increase accessibility and the amount of Connecticut grown food in school cafeterias and to early care providers. We do this as part of a broader effort to make high quality meals universally available to all children. We understand that this goal is not possible without dismantling racism in our food, agricultural and educational systems. We cannot reasonably hope to succeed without acknowledging where we have neglected this in the past and how we commit to changing as we move forward. We are committed to transforming our network with new partnerships with Native American-led organizations and communities, while shifting power to engage in authentic relationships with BIPOC leadership. Special thanks to our partner, Dawn M. Spears, who contributed to the creation of this new campaign and the resources provided below.
We offer these resources to share more accurately about Native foodways and the people who were first here. These resources are meant to raise awareness in non-native school communities. Educators should be mindful of cultural appropriation and understand that Native students may experience lessons differently.
Dawn M. Spears
Dawn M. Spears (Narragansett) is the Director of the Northeast Indigenous Arts Alliance (NIAA). For more than twenty-five years Dawn has worked to support Indigenous arts as an artist, educator, demonstrator, and organizer. To learn more about Dawn and the work that she does visit Dawn's website.
Artist Statement: I try to capture the vibrant colors of our natural world; they are my inspiration along with my appreciation of the symbolism within our indigenous culture. I enjoy opportunities that allow us to share our work and give us space to be able to dispel the myths and stereotypes that our people have endured.
Harvest Translations
- Kipunumwok - Harvest “Harvest Moon is known as the moon of the falling leaves. As leaves fall off the trees, they lay across the land proving mother earth a colorful and warm blanket for the cold winter ahead.” -Dawn Spears
- Wiwáhcum - corn (Mohegan)
- masqusit - bean (Mohegan)
- kipunumwok - harvest (Mohegan)
- apun - oyster (Mohegan)
- ásko t- squash (Mohegan)
- Poćumunsh - Cranberries (Mohegan)
- taqôq - Autumn (Mohegan)
- taqôk - autumn (Pequot)
- taquonk - Autumn (Narragansett)
Recipes
- Strawberries in Smoothies (Seasonal Foods - Spring)
- Berries, Fast Facts and Recipes (Local Products)
- Harvest Jonnycake Recipe on our Cranberry Thanksgiving page
- Taste the Maple! Festivals and Sugar Houses (Maple Syrup Producers Association of Connecticut)
Resources for Educators
- Indigenous Foodways Are the Focus in a Growing Number of Classrooms - CivilEats article from this February highlighting the richness of this work.
- National Farm to School Network → Check out the work they have done in partnership with FNDI
- Three Sisters Garden: From FNDI, a comprehensive curriculum on Three Sisters garden.
- Maple in Every School →This is a brand new toolkit from VT FEED, a great farm to school resource and very applicable to Connecticut.
- Tomaquag Children’s Hour Read Aloud - "Strawberry Thanksgiving" by Paulla Jennings - Children's Hour May 13, 2020
Cranberry Thanksgiving: The Last Fresh Fruit Harvest of the Season
Check out our Cranberry Thanksgiving page to learn the native tradition of cranberry harvesting in New England.
Native American Foodways Autumn Booklet
Videos
