Creating A Ripple Effect Institute For American Indian Studies Joins World Water Day Celebration March 18

 

On Saturday, March 18, the Institute for American Indian Studies partnered with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Steep Rock Association, and the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition to celebrate World Water Day. This event is being held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Institute at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut. 

Water is one of the most vital resources for all beings and has important cultural significance in many indigenous communities, not only as a source of life but also as a source of medicine and healing. The Institute is celebrating World Water Day, an initiative by the United Nations, with a series of fun and educational activities. 

The day kicks off with a hike to the Shepaug River with Matt Devine, a fisheries biologist with Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, to learn how to identify a healthy river ecosystem. This experience gives people the opportunity to learn about the importance of sampling, studying, and enhancing fisheries from a scientist that has done this work for more than 12 years. Participants will also gain insight into how local indigenous cultures have used water throughout time. 

In the afternoon, the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition will present an interactive program on springtime vernal pools and their importance to the local ecosystem. A highlight is to find out which organisms only use vernal pools to raise their young in a pop-up exhibit featuring a fascinating variety of aquariums and terrariums. 

If you like to make things and have fun learning at the same time, don’t miss the chance to create a cornhusk dragonfly with an IAIS educator, that you can take home as a memento of the day. While making the dragonfly, learn about its significance and importance to the indigenous and scientific communities. 

The day concludes with story time with IAIS Educator, Irene Norman (Mohawk descent) who will tell both traditional and contemporary Native American stories that have connections to water. 

Not to be missed while at this event is the current exhibition at the Institute, “Nebizun: Water is Life” that will be on view through the end of March. This exhibition introduces visitors to the Abenaki worldview of the importance of water and features artwork by Abenaki artists of the Champlain Valley and the Connecticut River Valley. 

The tickets for the morning and afternoon portions of this program are $12 for non-members, and $8 for members, respectively. Space is limited so pre-registration is requested. To register visit http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call 860-868-0518. If you are spending the day, it is advisable to pack a brown bag lunch and to dress appropriately if you are planning to participate in outdoor activities. 

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 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow 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 - Unicorn Root

Aletris farinosa is known by magical names such as Unicorn Root, Blazing Star, and Star- grass. It is an attractive wildflower that can be found in Connecticut and throughout much of New England. It grows as far north as southern Canada, west to Texas, and south to Florida. Historically, Native American communities collected this plant for an interesting variety of medicinal uses. 

About the Unicorn Root

This is a fairly wide-ranging and common plant species growing in eastern North America in a variety of habitats and elevations. This herb prefers to grow in moist or dry peat and sandy soil and, can be found in sandy woods and thickets, and in prairies. The plant itself is single-stemmed resembling a wand or unicorn horn. It has a thick short rootstock that resembles a rhizome. It can grow up to two and a half feet and, can bloom as early as April, although, in Connecticut, it blooms in August. The grass-like leaves grow at the base of the stem providing good protection for the roots. The tubular-shaped flowers have six petal-like tepals that are fused, except at the tip, where they flare out. The flowers have an unusual texture, they are rough and grainy. Fertilized flowers form tiny seeds that develop into capsules. When they are ripe, the capsules split open releasing the seeds.

Medicinal Uses

Another name for this plant is Colic root. This refers to one of the most common uses, to treat colic and excessive crying.  Many communities made a tonic and gave it to women with a history of miscarriage. Another popular use of this plant was to make an infusion of leaves and take it for stomach problems and dysentery. The Cherokee made a decoction and took it to treat muscle pain, fevers, lung disease, jaundice, and coughs. They also made a tonic that was taken to tone and strengthen the uterus and, to help women become pregnant. The Micmac used the root to treat menstrual disorders and infertility. The Rappahannock used an infusion of the entire plant and, gave it to women and girls for female problems.

Did You Know...

The Greek name Aletris refers to one of the stages of an ancient ritual where a young woman learns to bake bread. Aletris means, "a female slave who grinds the meal."

In Greek, Farinosa means mealy, emphasizing the flour-like appearance of this plant.

Other names for this plant are colic root, blazing star, crow corn, star grass, and white star grass.

Scientists think that this plant might act like estrogen which could affect pregnancy. It is not recommended to take it if you are pregnant or have other hormone-sensitive conditions.

The fresh roots of this plant are poisonous.

Medicinal Monday - the Magnificent Horse Chestnut Tree

Horse Chestnut is a large tree known for its showy flowers that bloom in May. Mature trees can grow up to 100 feet high and live for 300 years. Native to Greece and Albania, this species was introduced to the United States in the 1740s because of its beautiful clusters of flowers. In the summer its dense canopy provides shade on hot days. Don't confuse the Horse Chestnut Tree with the American Chestnut Tree which has been extinct for over a century. Horse Chestnut trees can be found in the United States including Connecticut. They are listed as a tree growing in Appalachia by the Federal Government.

About Horse Chestnut Trees

Aescukus hippocastanum or the Horse Chestnut is often referred to as the messy tree because it drops its flowers in the early summer and leaves huge spiked nuts or conkers in the fall. The flowers appear in May and individual flowers have four to five fringed petals that are white with a pink flush at the base. Once pollinated, the flower develops into glossy red-brown nuts inside a spikey green husk that falls to the ground in the autumn. This large tree is a hermaphroditic flowering tree, meaning that the tall spike has both male and female reproductive organs in the same flower. The large palmate-shaped leaves comprise five to seven pointed-toothed leaflets that spread from a central stem. The bark is grayish-green or grayish brown and the elongated tree limbs are thick with wart-like eruptions on them.

Medicinal Uses

The outer covering of the horse chestnut is toxic, and the nut itself has to be boiled prior to being eaten safely. Some Native American communities made a mush from the nuts that was formed into a poultice and placed on the lower legs of horses to heal wounds. The leaf stalks leave a scar on the twig when they fall which resembles a horse shoe with nail holes. This association with horses could explain why the nuts were ground up and fed to horses to relieve them of coughs.

The Iroquois made a compound of the powered roots and used it to treat chest pains. The Mohegans and the Shinnecock carried the nut with them to relieve rheumatism and aches and pains. They also carried the nut to prevent rheumatism as did the people of Appalachia. 

Did You Know...

The flowers are a rich source of nectar and pollen for insects, particularly bees.

Deer can eat the conkers without any ill effects. However, the nuts are poisonous to cattle, horses, sheep, and chickens.

The name conkers derives from a game played with horse chestnuts in the U.K. The game originated from the Isle of Wight in 1848.

Horse Chestnut wood is seldom used for lumber because it is soft and spongy.

Medicinal Monday - Ninebark - Versatile, Useful and Beautiful

Traditionally ninebark was a green shrub with flowers and exfoliating bark. Today, ninebark comes in many new foliage colors and in many species. As a fast-growing shrub, it is a favorite among gardeners. Many find the winter bark of this shrub appealing. Native American communities on the West coast found many uses for Pacific Ninebark.

About Pacific Ninebark

Physocarpus capitatus or Pacific Ninebark is in the rose (Rosaceae) family and native to western North America, from southern Alaska east to Montana and Utah, and south to central California.  There are ten species of this plant all native to North America with the exception of one found in northeastern Asia. It is found in the Coast Ranges and the Sierras. This is a small hardy shrub that grows up to 12 feet high and can reach 18 feet in the wild. Relatively short-lived, this shrub can be found along streams, in wet meadows, in coastal marshes, and at the edges of moist woods.  Its most distinguishing characteristic is its brown shedding bark on its branches. Its three to five-inch lobed toothed leaves are similar in shape to a maple leaf. The flowers are small and white with yellow centers and pink stamens that are tightly packed in a ring-like cluster. The fruit is small, reddish, inflated dry seed capsules or pods that split open on one side to release seeds. The flowers bloom from April to June and the fruit ripens from September through October.

Medicinal Uses

One of the most common uses among indigenous people ninebark was used as a laxative. Specifically, the Bella Coola made a decoction of a three-foot branch and took it with large amounts of water as an emetic. They also made a decoction of the inner bark and used it as a wash to treat gonorrhea. The Green River Group mixed young shoots and peeled bark and used this mixture as an emetic. The Hesquiat made a decoction of the bark and used it as an antidote for poison. They also made a decoction of the bark and used it to treat rheumatic fever. A decoction of the bark was taken in small doses as a laxative. The Kwakiutl used an extract of the root as a purgative and a decoction of the bark for constipation. The Saanich made an infusion of the macerated roots that was taken as a laxative.

As a food source, the raw berries were used for food and the roots were steamed and eaten.

The stems were used to make hunting bows and arrows, as well as other small items such as needles. Children would play with the seed pods and pop them open. The bark was mixed with cedar bark to make a dark brown dye.

Did You Know...

Physo means bladder and carpus means fruit referring to the inflated fruit of this plant. Capitatus means having a head and refers to its ring of dense flowers and fruits.

Mountain Goats, elk, deer, and beer will graze on the foliage. 

Rich in nectar, the flowers are pollinated by native bees and are also visited by butterflies.

Birds eat the seeds well into the winter.

Celebrate Native American Culture @ Maple Sugar Festival @ Institute for American Indian Studies March 11

 Native Americans understood that maple trees were sweet in March, and so does the Institute for American Indian Studies located in Washington, Connecticut. In honor of the sweetest time of year, they are hosting the annual Maple Sugar Festival on Saturday, March 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A traditional sugar camp

From late February through March, Mother Nature cooks up her own sweet treat with sugar maple trees as the sap begins to flow, ready to be tapped for making sugar and syrup. "The Maple Sugar Festival is an excellent opportunity for families to experience nature at its finest and have fun at the same time," said Chris Combs, Executive Director of the Institute.  

The art of maple sugaring was discovered by Native Americans, who would set up sugar camps each year in groves of sugar maple trees.  Maple sugar camps were a social as well as a working occasion. Women would tap the trees, men would cut wood for the fire needed to boil the sap, and children tended the sap as it bubbled and boiled sending a sweet fragrance into the air. At this event, IAIS Educator and Ecologist Susan Scherf will demonstrate various traditional Native American techniques of collecting sap and boiling it down into syrup for sugar. Visitors will learn the importance of maple sugar to the diet of Native Americans as well as its usefulness as an item of trade.

In keeping with the fun-filled nature of a Native American sugar camp, children are invited to listen to Native American stories and play traditional family-friendly games that will take place throughout the day, adding to this culturally enriching experience. And, if you have worked up an appetite, no worries, the Institute is serving up pancakes topped with real maple syrup from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. which is sure to satiate your taste buds. Coffee and orange juice will also be available.

The cost of participation for those that reserve in advance is $15 for adults, $10 for children, and $5 for members of the Institute; tickets at the door on the day of the event are $5 extra. For folks that want to indulge in the pancake feast, there is an additional $5 charge. To reserve your tickets click here.

Medicinal Monday - Love Medicine

The term love medicine was suggested by tribal healers to have powers beyond their medicinal attributes. Both men and women used various plants as love charms in order to get or hold the attention of that special person. Love medicine took several forms, sometimes they were digested, at other times worn as a charm, and even made into a perfume. Below are a few ways different tribal communities use plants as a love medicine.

The Potawatomi mixed the seeds of Purple Meadow Rue with tobacco and smoked it as a love medicine before visiting the lady of their choice.

Western Columbine is used by the Thompson Native Americans. Women made the flowers into a charm to gain the affection of a man. The Pawnee and the Ponca's use crushed seeds of columbine as a love charm.

Meadowrue is used by local Native American communities in Central Oregon as a love medicine. They mix the seeds of meadowrue with tobacco and smoke this mixture before courting their favorite lady.

The Ojibwa smuggled the ground up roots of the Longract Frog Orchid into their beloved's food because they believe it acts as an aphrodisiac.

The women of the Potawantomi community use the delicate flowers of the Softstem bulrush as a love medicine.

"Sweet leaf", that could include wild bergamot, bee balm, or mint is recognized by the Plains Indian tribes as a favored herb to inspire love. When used as a tonic or tea, "sweet leaf" is thought to possess seductive powers, and when the leaves of these plants are mixed with buffalo fat, it becomes a pleasant smelling ointment that was spread on the skin in order to attract love.

Learn How to Make Maple Syrup @ Institute for American Indian Studies, February 11, 2023

 

Sugar Maple trees are indigenous in much of North America including Connecticut. Native Americans were the first people to use the gifts of the maple tree to produce maple syrup and sugar that so many of us enjoy today. 

As the days get warmer but the nights stay cold, it's the right season for maple sugaring. If you have always wanted to produce your own maple syrup but didn’t know where to begin taking to the Maple Sugar Workshop @ the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, February 11 beginning at 11 a.m. is a good way to learn about this age-old process. This workshop is perfect for people wanting to learn how to harvest their own maple sap. As a pre-cursor to the Maple Sugar Festival being held at the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, March 11, this workshop is sure to inspire you during the sweetest time of year! 

If you want to get a jump on the sugaring season along with helpful tips on how to tap trees and boil the sap down yourself don’t miss this workshop that is perfect for beginners, novices, and veterans alike. Conducted by Museum Educator and Ecologist, Susan Scherf, this workshop gives participants an overview of the history of maple sugar production and how it has evolved over the centuries. Traditional Native American techniques used to collect and boil sap into maple syrup and modern methods will be explained giving participants a perspective on the variety of techniques that can be used. During the course of this workshop participants will watch how traditional sumac spiles are made. 

Learn the proper way to tap a maple tree

Highlights of this workshop also include learning the basics of collecting and boiling the sap down. Among the many topics discussed will be proper tree identification and how to prepare the tree for the tapping season. Participants will learn about tree health and why and when sap flows. The workshop will also focus on what to look for, and what to avoid in regard to the tapping process as well as examples of the different methods of collecting and boiling sap. The workshop concludes with a talk about the impact of climate change on maple syrup production. 

A fun hands-on workshop

It is important to dress for the season because the majority of this event will be held outside. Pre-registration for this workshop is required. To register for this informative and fun workshop click here, call 860-868-0518, or email events@iaismuseum.org. The price of participation is $5 for members and $15 for non-members. 

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.