A Full Moon Walk on January 6, 2023

 

If you are looking for a fun and refreshing way to celebrate the New Year, take a walk through the beautiful Connecticut woodlands on January 6 @ 6 p.m. with the Institute of American Indian Studies in Washington. There is something rejuvenating and primeval about taking a walk under the first full moon of the year with the educators of the Institute as your guides. 

Get ready to walk along the beautifully wooded trails on the grounds of the Institute where you will experience the serenity of nature under the bright nighttime sky that Eastern Woodland Native Americans have celebrated for centuries. Many Native American communities call the January full moon the “Moon of the Crackling Trees,” because it is so cold out, so make sure you dress appropriately! 

The highlight of this easy walk is to experience, firsthand, the beauty of the January full moon from a Native American perspective. 

After this walk, you will look up at the full moon with a new appreciation and knowledge, passed down by Native Americans through the centuries. The woodland walk ends at the newly restored 16th-century Algonkian village where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and stories will greet participants. 

Space on this walk is limited and pre-registration is required. Please call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org to reserve a spot. The price for participation is $10 for non-members and $5 for members of the Institute. Remember to dress for the weather, wear proper footwear, and bring along a flashlight. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres, the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Medicinal Monday...American Boneset - Handle with Care!

American Boneset has a long medicinal history. Its name, boneset comes from an ancient concept known as the Doctrine of Signatures that believed that God marked everything with a sign (signature). Early herbalists using this concept believed that the way plants grow or taste helps signify the way they could be used. In the case of boneset, its rigid stem appears to grow through its leaves, seeming to support the plant's main stem, and because of this, it was thought boneset would be useful in setting bones. Native American communities using this plant, however, found many other medical uses for it.

About American Boneset

Eupatorium perfoliatum or American Boneset can be identified by its opposite stalkless leaves that are fused together across the stem making them look like a single leaf that has been pierced by the hairy stem. Boneset is a large herbaceous, clump-forming perennial shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. Some thought it looked like broken bones fusing together, hence its use to treat bone breaks. It has flat-topped tubular-shaped white flowers that bloom in clusters of 9 to 23 florets from July through October. The flowers are replaced by seeds small tufts of hair that are dispersed by the wind from September through November. The finely toothed leaves are lance-shaped and taper to a sharply pointed tip and clasp the stem. Boneset prefers moist rich soil and sunny locations. It is a common native plant found in the Eastern United States and Canada. In general, it is widespread from Nova Scotia to Florida and can be found as far west as Texas. 

Medicinal Uses

The most common use of boneset in traditional Native American medicine is to use it as a hot infusion to treat fevers, sore throats, and the common cold. The Abnaki used an infusion of this plant to mend bones, and the Cherokee, Mohegan, Nanticoke, and Delaware made an infusion to treat sore throats, fevers, and colds. They also drank an infusion as a purgative and as an emetic. The Chippewa made a poultice of boiled plant tops and applied it to sore muscles and used it as a treatment for rheumatism. In addition, the Chippewa made a poultice of chewed plants and applied it to rattlesnake bites. In hunting, the Chippewa rubbed roots on whistles and used them as a charm to attract deer. The Mohegans used an infusion of Boneset leaves for stomach trouble and to treat general illnesses. It was also part of a compound infusion that was taken as a spring tonic. The Penobscot made a compound infusion to treat kidney trouble and gonorrhea. The Seminole used a decoction of the plant as a gentle emetic as well as a medicine for colds and fevers. 

The Iroquois made a poultice of smashed plants and applied it to treat headaches. They made an infusion of boneset stems and took it at the onset of a cold and also made an infusion of the entire plant to treat fever. The Iroquois made a compound decoction of the flowers and leaves and took it as a laxative, also, they made a cold compound infusion of leaves and applied it as a poultice to broken bones. The Iroquois used boneset as a poison and would put the plant in an enemy's liquor flask to kill him; they also used it for sorcery and for divination. The Meskwaki used the root for snakebite and an infusion of leaves and flower blossoms to expel worms. The Rappahannock made an infusion of flowers just before they matured and combined them with dried leaves and took this as a tonic for energy.

Did You Know...

Boneset contains volatile oil, tannic acid, and Eupatorin, a bitter glycoside acid. Mature boneset contains toxic alkaloids that lead to many complications in humans. It is said the taste of boneset is slightly bitter and mildly astringent and is poisonous to humans, livestock, and other animals. 

In the 18th century, this plant was prescribed to treat bone rack fever, which was probably Dengue fever.

Another name for boneset is thoroughworts because of the way the leaves appear to go through the stem.

Boneset attracts butterflies, bees, and songbirds. It is deer and rabbit-resistant.

Boneset shares its generic name Eupatorium with about 40 other plant species. The plant is named after Mithridates Eupator, who lived from 135-63 BC and was the ruler of Pontus in Asia Minor.

The species name, perfoliatum is Latin and refers to the stem piercing leaf. 

When taken by mouth it is extremely unsafe and can cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. It has pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver.

Medicinal Monday - Deck the Halls with American Holly

American Holly is a festive-looking plant this time of year that provides food for a variety of wildlife, and, as Native American communities discovered it is also useful medicinally. Native Americans also found many practical uses for this attractive tree. It is documented that Native Americans used the wood of this tree for different applications and that the berries were used for buttons and barter. The holly genus illex includes almost 500 species that are grouped in the family Aquifoliaceae. The genus is found in Europe, North America, mountainous regions of Asia, and South America.

About American Holly

American Holly or llex opaca can be found in the south-central and eastern parts of the United States including Connecticut. It can be found as far south as central Florida and west to Missouri and Texas. The bark of this evergreen tree is smooth and light grey in color, older trees are darker in color and develop warts. Branch bark is light green and smooth, while twigs are grey or brown and smooth, and young shoots are light green.  Leaves are shiny green with a stiff leather-like texture. They have dramatically serrated leaves that have a classic toothed appearance. Hollies are dioecious, so flowers are distinctly male (staminate) or female (pistillate). Each flower has four to six white petals that bloom on separate plants and cross-pollinate to produce fruit on the female tree. Pollination is carried out by a variety of insects. Fertile female flowers produce dupes or berries that mature in the fall. The berries that mature in October and keep until the spring are bright red and spherical in shape.

Medicinal Uses of American Holly

Although these berries may be beautiful, they are mildly toxic to humans and some animals. In the Southeast, it has been documented that Native Americans collected and used holly berries as decorations. Many communities carved spoons, cooking tools, and buttons from the wood and traded them. The berries were also used to make a dye. There were also many medicinal uses for this tree, Alabama for example made a decoction from the bark and used it as a wash for sore eyes. The Catawba made an infusion of the leaves and used it to treat skin sores. They also made a decoction of the leaves to treat measles The Cherokee chewed the berries to treat colic and used the leaves to scratch muscles that were sore or cramped. They also made a decoction of the leaves and used them as drops for sore eyes. The Koasati made an infusion from the bark and rubbed and used it to treat spots that were itchy.

Did You Know...

It is said that American Holly was a favorite of George Washington and the hollies he planted are still evident today at Mount Vernon.

The first scientific observation of the American Holly tree was in 1744.

Ancient Roman society used holly to ward off lightning strikes and often included it when giving gifts.

Druids used holly as a hair ornament and believe it offers woodland fairies shelter.

The use of holly around Christmas became popular after the release of The Night Before Christmas in 1822.

American Holly is the state tree of Delaware.

One pound of American Holly berries contains around 28.000 seeds.

The berries are an important source of winter food for many birds including the American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Grey Catbird, and Northern Mockingbird.

Holiday Break Pop -Up Programs @ Institute for American Indian Studies

The winter holiday break for children is around the corner. To keep boredom at bay, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington has devised a variety of in-person programs that provide children with the opportunity to play as well as to learn. The programs will take place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, and Friday, December 30.

Storytime

All parents know that each child has an entirely different set of interests, and that is why the Institute's variety of pop-up programs will have something of interest for every child. Children are invited to listen to stories, play games, and create crafts to take home. Most importantly, all programs are inspired by the lifeways and lessons of local Native Americans. An added benefit is to provide children with the chance for exciting and meaningful interaction with other enthusiastic kids as the Institute's professional educators lead a variety of winter adventures for kids to enjoy. 

Kids will be intrigued by Native American games like snow snake, snow boat, and hoop and pole which will get them out into the fresh air while learning about Native American culture. Make sure your children are dressed for the weather because some activities will be outdoors. During craft sessions, age-appropriate programs will be offered. Children may make a cornhusk doll and buzzers, as well as learn about the art of beadwork and try their hand at it. Best of all, they can take their work home to show to their friends and family.

Snowsnake

This family-friendly event is open to children of all ages. The Institute requests that an adult remains on the premises while the children are participating in programs and activities. Pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited and can be reserved by visiting the website and registering on Eventbrite, by calling 860-868-0518, or by emailing events@iaismuseum.org. The cost of participation is $10 for members of the Institute and, $15 for non-members.

Medicinal Monday - Winterberry Brightens a Winter Landscape

The winterberry is one of the few plants in New England that are at their prettiest after their leaves have fallen. A scarlet mass of these red berries brings a spot of color to the dreariest winter landscape.  Today, we often see the fruit ladened bare branches of this plant used as a colorful component in holiday decorations.  This plant has limited but fascinating medicinal uses in Native American culture and, we would like to think it had decorative uses as well.

About Winterberry

The genus llex is from the holly family of some 400 species of trees, shrubs, and climbers found throughout the world.  There are about 15 species found throughout North America including Connecticut where the species, llex verticillata grows.  Most holly shrubs have glossy prickly evergreen leaves studded with bright red colored berries, the winterberry has neither.  Dark green simple ovate shaped leaves with small teeth that are smooth and slightly glossy above and fuzzy below are characteristics that identify the winterberry found here along with the beautiful red colored berries.  The male plant blooms in the summer with small clusters of white flowers, the female plant has fewer but showier flowers.  Only the female plants produce fruit, and only if there is a male plant nearby that provides pollination. 

The winterberry plant is most often found in wetland habitats, but, it can also be found on dry sandy dunes and grassland.  This plant is referred to by a variety of names including black alder, Canada holly, coralberry, brook alder, fever bush, and Michigan holly.  The berries are poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses, but more than 49 species of birds eat the berries as well as waterfowl, game birds, raccoons, and even mice.  When food is scarce whitetail deer,  rabbits, moose, and snowshoe hares will eat stems and bark.

Medicinal Uses

Native Americans use the bark and leaves of the winterberry plant to treat a variety of ailments.  Winterberry earned its nickname fever bush because Native Americans use the bark to treat fever, internal parasites, and liver ailments.  They also used the bark externally to treat cuts and bruises.  The bark is 4.8% tannin and was harvested before the first frost.  A tea is made from the bark and used as an emetic, a tonic and remedy for diarrhea and a preparation is made from the roots to treat hay fever. The Iroquois make a tea from winterberry bark and berries and used it as a laxative and to induce vomiting.  

Did you know...

A Confederate doctor, Francis Porcher used this plant to treat fevers, diarrhea, ulcers and as a medicinal wash to treat gangrene.

Oriental Bittersweet is sometimes confused with winterberry.  To tell them apart, look at the leaf margins and berries. Winterberry has serrated leaf edges and smooth red berries. Oriental Bittersweet has rounder leaves and red berries with loose yellow skins.

Winterberry leaves when dried can be made into a tea that contains no caffeine.

Swallowing the berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness and is considered poisonious to humans, cats, dogs and horses.

New Exhibit "Nebizun: Water is Life" @ Institute for American Indian Studies Through March 2023

 The Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut, has just unveiled a new traveling exhibition, “Nebizun: Water is Life.”

This exhibition is a collaboration of artwork by Abenaki artists of the Champlain Valley and the Connecticut River Valley. Vera Longtoe Sheehan, Elnu Abenaki, and founding director of the Vermont Abenaki Artists Association curates the exhibition. Sheehan will be giving a gallery talk on Saturday, December 10 at 1 p.m. that is free and open to the public. Sheehan serves as an Executive Board Member for the Vermont Humanities Council, on the Vermont Arts Council’s IDEA Committee, and is a core member of the Education Justice Coalition of Vermont. She formerly worked at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Her curatorial work reflects her deep knowledge of Indigenous history and culture in the northeast. The exhibit will be on view at the Institute through March 2023.

“Nebizun: Water is Life”, draws visitors into the Native American worldview of water from the very first word Nebizun which means medicine, and the root word, Nebi, the Abenaki word for water. Water is one of the four sacred elements of life, along with air, earth, and light/fire. As stewards of the environment, Native American people know the importance of clean water. Water is essential for life, it is important to fish and other wildlife, it is essential for the growth of crops, and it is an important component in medicine and healing.

“Water is Life “ by Francine Poitras Jones. Nulhegan Abenaki 

The Abenaki community, among many others, knows how important clean water is to everyday activities that some take for granted. During the recent controversial construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline through the homelands of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, the anthem, “Water is Life, was born by Water Protectors and, this traveling exhibit recognizes this controversy through its name and some of its artwork.

 

“Nebizun: Water is Life” reflects awareness of both traditional values and contemporary issues. This exhibit draws inspiration from Native American grandmothers who have been doing water walks to pray for the water and the 50^th anniversary of the Clean Water Act. We hope this exhibition inspires everyone to be a Water Protector.

Medicinal Monday...Atlantic Poison Oak

There are two types of poison oak in the United States; both Atlantic and Pacific poison oak cause severe dermatitis in people allergic to it. Although the Atlantic poison oak plant looks relatively harmless it isn't. People that come in contact with it get a terrible itchy rash that worsens as it progresses. Some people develop bumps and blisters that ooze, and hives may also develop. Some folks are so allergic to this plant that they may require a trip to the hospital. The rash usually appears a day or two after exposure and can last about a week. Although many Native American communities considered this plant "poisonous" they did find ways to use it medicinally.

About Atlantic Poison Oak

Toxicodendron pubescens, commonly known as Atlantic poison oak is a species native to the Southeastern United States from Virginia westward to Texas and Oklahoma. This plant grows in woodland areas where it easily blends into the landscape and in dry sandy fields. Poison oak is a shade-loving plant that has three leaflets per branch and as many as nine leaflets per cluster. In the spring the leaves are red or green and have greenish-yellow flowers. During the summer months, the leaves are green and some plants produce light green berries, and in the autumn, the leaves turn various shades of red and orange.

Medicinal Uses

Inconceivably, Native American communities found limited medicinal use for this plant. For example, the Cherokee made a decoction of the stems of this plant and took it as an emetic. The Delaware made a poultice of roasted, crushed roots and used it to treat rheumatism and stiffness. They also made a salve from crushed roots to treat chronic sores and swollen glands. The Iroquois made a poultice of the entire plant and applied it to infectious sores on the lips. They also used a decoction of the plant as a pediatric aid and gave it to high-strung children. The Meskwaki made a poultice of the pounded root and treated swellings to cause blisters. The Potawatomi Medicine Men made a poultice of the pounded root and applied it to swellings. Some Native American communities prescribed acrid juice from fresh leaves for its stimulant and narcotic properties.

Did You Know...

Alaska and Hawaii don't have poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac.

Poison Oak was introduced into England in the 1640s, it was not used in medicine there until the end of the 18th century when it was utilized in the treatment of stubborn herpetic eruptions.

At one-time poison oak was officially listed in the Pharmacopoeia of the U.S. 

Both the Atlantic and Pacific forms of poison oak contain a chemical called urushiol, which most people are allergic to. Coming in contact even with dead leaves, stems or roots can cause a severe reaction to this oil.

Burning Atlantic poison oak releases the oil into the air where it can trigger internal and external allergic reactions. To inhale this oil is extremely dangerous.

Some people are so allergic that they have trouble breathing and swallowing. In severe cases, it can cause swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and nausea.