In honor of the November Native American Heritage Month, UW-Whitewater Native American Support Services invited everyone to a fried bread workshop in the lounge of McCutchan Hall before the Thanksgiving break. Participants broke bread together, highlighting the history, the culture and the importance of this sacred bread.

Peer mentor Michael Bose is one of several individuals who works with Native American Support Services, starting out the event with a presentation. He described the many Native American tribes that originated in Whitewater such as the Sioux, Cherokee and Iroquois. The group discussed the history of the tribes, their forced exile by the U.S. government from their lands which resulted in the infamous and tragic Trail of Tears. They showed individuals in attendance what came out of the Trails of Tears with the culture and fried bread being created.

“I think this is important because people can learn how to cook fried bread, learn the culture and understand the importance of Native American Heritage Month,” said peer mentor Michael Bose.

The bread is a way to remember the Native American hardships. The month is meant to shine light on the atrocities that have happened to the Native Americans in the past. This month was created to research, learn and reflect on the history, past, and culture of Native Americans through Native American Heritage Month. The event closed with a sampling of fried bread by the attendees. 

“Fried bread is like a pancake. It is easy to eat, you could easily take it anywhere, and it is pretty delicious with syrup!” said a faculty member Terri Jones.

Native American Heritage Month is a time to appreciate, reflect and learn about the Native American culture that once ruled the United States and North America. It is important to remember and honor them as the First Peoples of this land and the great tragedies and trials they endured, and continue to endure. You can do this by making fried bread with your family or as part of a meal, learn more about their historical and cultural significance, and becoming an advocate in any way possible, big or small.