Celebrate National Indian Heritage Month @ Institute for American Indian Studies With Annawon Weeden

November is National Indian Heritage Month and many institutions nationwide join in paying tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. Each year, the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington Connecticut organizes special programs that highlight the rich cultural diversity and traditions of Native American communities through hands-on activities, arts and crafts, exhibits, music, and interactive programs.

This year’s highlight of National Indian Heritage Month at the Institute for American Indian Studies will be a highly interactive program by actor, activist, dancer, and Tribal mentor, Annawon Weeden. This special program will take place at 1 p.m. on November 16. Weeden is the founder of the First Light Foundation whose mission is to highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating diversity to reinforce the identity of each individual served.

Persuasive and powerful, authentic and imaginative, the stories and performance of Annawon Weeden reveal the unexpected ways Native Americans are embedded in our cultural identity as well as in our pop culture, sometimes accurately, and sometimes erroneously. Drawing on his Mashpee Wampanoag, Narragansett, and Pequot lineage, Weeden will explore the pre- European Tribal history of the People of the Dawn and share his personal experiences and insights. Through this interactive program, visitors will walk through time with Weeden and discover that Native American cultures are alive and well today, thriving and evolving across the United States. This program helps to foster a better understanding of Native American culture and traditions while dispelling some of the historical misinterpretations.

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 a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that 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 on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

About Annawon Weeden

Weeden is an enrolled member of his mother’s Mashpee Wampanoag tribal community. He currently works in the MPTN Cultural Resource Department as the Eastern Woodland song/dance instructor for his father’s Mashantucket Pequot Tribal community.

Growing up on the Narragansett reservation he was instructed on the traditional dances and customs of New England’s Native American Communities. As an adult, Weeden has developed a comprehensive knowledge of the vast diversity of native customs and traditions.

In October 2016, Congressman James Langevin took special notice of Weeden and decided to commemorate the life efforts of Weeden awarding him with a Congressional Honor as Culture Bearer for the entire New England Region.

Weeden’s knowledge of indigenous people and his ability to share his tribal culture is highly sought because it educational and inspiring.

Medincinal Monday - American Chestnut Tree the Redwoods of the East

The majestic American Chestnut Tree was once common throughout the forests of eastern North America, providing sweet, meaty chestnuts for humans and wildlife. American Chestnut trees once grew prolifically across the east coast with an estimated four billion trees blanketing the landscape from Maine to Florida.  These huge and ancient trees could grow up to 100 feet high and nine feet around. In addition to providing wood and shade, these trees also provided edible nuts.  Native Americans found many uses for this tree, which is rare in the wild today.

Winslow Homer - The Chestnut tree (1878)

About American Chestnut Tree

The American Chestnut tree is a large monoecious deciduous tree of the beech family and is native to eastern North America.  This hardwood tree grows rapidly and was one of the most common trees found in the northeast. As compared to its European cousins, the American Chestnut has larger and more widely spaced saw-teeth leaves and hairless twigs and branches. The American Chestnut is self-compatible and requires two trees for pollination.  It is also a prolific bearer of nuts.  There are usually three nuts enclosed in a spiny green burr that is lined in a tan velvet-like material.  The nuts develop during the summer and fall to the ground after the first frost.

A fungus imported from Asia infected chestnut trees, the first chestnut was thought to be infected in the 1890s and the first blight was reported in 1904 in New York's Botanical Garden. By 1910, panic spread as the population of chestnut trees continued to die.  This airborne fungus killed up to three billion American Chestnut trees. There are many efforts today to breed blight-resistant chestnut trees by the American Chestnut Cooperators Foundation and the Canadian Chestnut Council.

William Henry Holmes 1846-1933

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Native American communities on the East Coast used various parts of the American Chestnut to treat ailments such as whooping cough, heart conditions and chafed skin.  The Cherokee made a cough syrup from the leaves of the American Chestnut Tree, they also made an infusion of year-old leaves that were taken for heart trouble.  The Iroquois ground the wood of this tree into a powder to use on the chafed skin of babies and the meat of the nut was ground and combined with bear grease and used to treat hair. Another use was to mix the bark of this tree into dog food to treat worms. The Mohegan's made tea from the leaves to treat rheumatism and colds. An infusion of leaves was also used to treat whooping cough.

Chestnuts were roasted, ground into flour for cakes and bread and stewed into puddings and soups.

Chestnut Trees at Bolton, Lake George by Samuel Lancaster

Did You Know...

In colonial America, chestnut was a preferred species for log cabins, especially the bottom rot-prone foundation logs. Later posts, poles, flooring, and railroad ties were all made from chestnut lumber.

Chestnut ripening coincided with the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season, and turn-of-the-century newspaper articles often showed train cars overflowing with chestnuts rolling into major cities to be sold fresh or roasted. 


Chestnuts are unique among nuts because they are high in carbs, not oil.

Institute for American Indian Studies to Honor Golden Paugussett Native American Veterans

Historically, American Indians were known as warriors. It is a deep tradition that has continued to modern times. Perhaps this is why Native Americans have a long- standing record of proud military service on behalf of the United States as well as a higher rate of military service than any other racial or ethnic group in the country. Native American patriotism is inextricably connected to the land itself.

Design by Harvey Pratt/Butzer Architects and Urbanism, illustration by Skyline Ink, courtesy of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.

To commemorate Native American and Alaskan American contributions, service, and sacrifices, in November of 2020, a $15 million memorial, Warriors Circle of Honor is set to open in Washington DC. The structure incorporates many items involved in Native American ceremonies. It was designed by a Marine veteran, Harvey Pratt, a member of the Southern Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes and will be situated on the National Mall.

Closer to home, in Washington, Connecticut, the Institute for American Indian Studies is holding a traditional Native American ceremony that includes prayers and drumming to honor the contributions and valor of Native American and non- Native Veterans on November 10 beginning at noon.

Gary Tinny

Each year, the Institute for American Indian Studies honors local Native Americans who have served their country. This year, the ceremony will recognize Golden Hill Paugussett community members who represent past, present and future veterans. The honorees at this year's ceremony include Chief Aurelius Piper Sr., deceased, who served during World War II; Gary Tinney, who served in Germany, England, Korea and Stateside; and the sons of Clan-mother Shoran Piper, Jeremy Cole, and Nikita Kuznetsov that are currently serving in the military. 

The drumming and prayer ceremony will begin at noon and take place in the Institute’s newly restored 16^th century Algonquian Village. After the ceremony, visitors are invited to a light lunch in the museum with the opportunity to explore the Institution’s vast collections. This event is free and open to the public. 

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 a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that 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 on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

About Veterans Day

Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation and a remembrance ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. The ceremony honors and thanks all who served in the U.S. armed forces.

Medicinal Monday - The Sour Crabapple Tree!

Autumn is apple time in New England when the sweet smell of newly harvest apples scents the air.  Malus coronaria, also known as sweet crabapple is a North American species of Malus. Native Americans used this tree in several unexpected ways from treating eye problems to using parts of this tree as a gastrointestinal aid.

About Sweet Crabapple
This tree grows primarily in the Great Lakes Region and the Ohio Valley but can be found in New England, Long Island, and as far south as Alabama.  This tree is small and only grows to about  33 feet in height.  It is noted for its broad open crown and small ovate leaves that don't grow longer than two inches. The leaves are red-bronze when they are in bud, and emerge bright green when they are full grown. In the fall the leaves turn yellow. This tree flowers in May and June when the leaves are fully grown. The flowers are a striking pink and are usually clustered in six-flower umbrels on slender branches.  The fruit of the crabapple tree ripens in October. The fruit is globular and about an inch to an inch and a half with white flesh that is said to be sour.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses
The Cherokee use an infusion of the bark of this tree to treat gallstones and piles. A wash made from the bark to treat a sore mouth.  The Iroquois make a cold infusion that was used to treat black eyes, sore eyes, and, as a cure for snow blindness. A decoction of the root was also used to suppress menses and cause abortion.

The fruit was sometimes buried in the ground overwinter or dried and stored for later use. When fully ripe, this fruit can be eaten.  It is also rich in pectin and was added to thicken stews or jam.

Did You Know...

One of the first explorers of North American fruits and vegetables, Pehr Kalm described the fruit of the American crabapple tree as small, sour and unfit for anything but to make vinegar of it!

All members of this genus contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide in their seeds and possibly in their leaves, but not in the fruit.

The flowers attract bees and wasps.

Black Bear, Grey Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk, Fox Squirrel, Grey Squirrel, Meadow Vole and Deer Mouse eat the fruit of this tree.

White Tail Deer and Cotton Tail Rabbits eat twigs and foliage.

Artifact Identification Day -October 27, 2019

The very basic definition of an artifact is an item, large or small that is made or given shape by humans.  Through the centuries, artifacts have taken many forms with the most common being a tool, a work of art, or an object of archeological interest.  Many times these items in the world of archeologists have some type of cultural meaning and in the context of Native Americans, these items can represent stone tools and weapons, pottery, and items for personal use or adornment.

On October 27 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Lucianne Lavin, Ph.D., the Director of Research and Collections, at the Institute for American Indian Studies will be available to identify and provide expert commentary about your local stone objects and other Northeastern Native American cultural items. The public is invited to bring up to 12 objects to be examined. Although the Institute cannot offer an appraisal of your object, they certainly will be able to enlighten you as to the what, where, when, and how of your mystery items!

Artifact identification can be a tricky business. You might want to ask if your object is archaeological or geological. Another question may be who made the artifact and where does it come from. To help with the identification be prepared to tell Dr. Lavin where you found the artifact - in the field, in a shop, or if you inherited it from a relative or friend. Anything about the context of an artifact is important in terms of identification. A final question might where you can learn more about your mysterious treasure from the past.

Artifact Identification Day is included in the price of admission, members of the Institute are free, Adults $10, Seniors $8 and children are $6. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that 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 on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Medicinal Monday - Sweet Smelling Chamomile

Chamomile is a flowering herb that looks similar to a tiny daisy.  It has a gentle floral aroma that has made this herb popular as a flavorful and aromatic herb for centuries. Native Americans among many others have found medicinal uses for this delicate and attractive herb.

About Chamomile

There are two types of Chamomile, German and Roman chamomile and Native Americans use Chamaemelum nobile, commonly called Roman chamomile. Both types of chamomile belong to the Asteraceae family.  Typically growing three to six inches tall this evergreen perennial forms a spreading mat of aromatic fern-like foliage across the landscape.  The plant spreads by creeping stems that root as they grow. Tiny daisy-like flowers with white petals and bright yellow centers bloom throughout the summer and into the early fall. The delicate fern-like foliage emits a fruity scent when bruised and the flowers are often plucked and dried for medicinal uses.

Medicinal Uses

The Cherokee make tea from chamomile flowers to treat premenstrual symptoms and as a treatment to relax and soothe the patient. They also make a poultice from the flowers and leaves in the treatment of external swelling, inflammatory pain and as an application to treat a toothache or earache.  The Mahina make a tea from the flowers to treat babies suffering from colic and to soothe upset stomachs.

Did You Know

German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is taller than Roman chamomile, it has similar flowers but it is an annual not a perennial.  The cone inside the center of the daisy in Roman chamomile is solid and in German chamomile it is hollow.

The name chamomile comes from Greek meaning "apple on the ground" in reference to the plant's apple-like aroma.

The ancient Egyptians compared the head of this flower to the sun and dedicated it to their sun god Re.

Roman chamomile is known as a medicinal plant from the middle ages where it was used beginning in the 16th century as a painkiller, diuretic, and digestive aid.

This herb is used to make a rinse for blonde hair.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the IAIS preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. We have a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that 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 on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Medicinal Monday... Rubber Rabbit Brush

Most of the year Rabbit Brush is a nondescript perennial native to the Great Plains and the west.  In the summer, however, this plant comes alive with a burst of appealing yellow flowers that beg for attention and get it!  Butterflies love the flowers of this plant and Native Americans found several clever ways to use this plant medicinally.

About Rabbit Brush

This plant is classified as a North American Shrub that is in the aster family.  It grows in the arid regions of western Canada, the Great Plains, and northern Mexico.  Rabbit Brush can grow up to seven feet high and wide. 

The blooms of this plant are pungent smelling, golden yellow flowers. Their the grey/green leaves have a felt-like feel and are long and narrow almost in the shape of a spatula.  The stems are rubbery and flexible.  The bright golden flowers gave rise to the Latin name "Chryso" "thamnus" meaning golden bush. The flowers bloom in August and September.

Practical, Ceremonial, and Medicinal Uses 

The Zuni people use the blossoms to make a yellow dye and they use the stems to make baskets. 

In Ceremonial Medicine, the Navajo Kayenta and the Navajo Ramah use this plant as an emetic to cause vomiting. Medicinally, the Navajo pound the leaves into a lotion used to treat headaches.  They also make a strong decoction of the roots that is taken for colds and fever and, to help with menstrual pain.  The Tewa take portions of the plant and hang them around the necks of babies to stop them from drooling.

Did You Know

The first specimens of this plant were collected by Meriwether Lewis along the Missouri River in 1805.

In 1904, this plant was considered as a source of rubber.

Today, rubber Rabbit Brush is being looked into as a source for hypoallergenic rubber for use in products designed for people that are allergic to latex.

The plants growing in Bayo Canyon, near Los Alamos, New Mexico have high concentrations of radioactive strontium-90 because their roots in a waste treatment area, mistook strontium-90 for calcium.  You need a Geiger counter to tell the difference.

This plant cannot grow in shade and can tolerate drought.