Rooted in Tradition a Strawberry Festival @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 

Traditionally, Native American communities tracked time by observing the change of seasons and following the lunar full moon cycle. Native American named each full moon cycle after activities or events that they associated with that time of year. Colonial Americans adopted some of the Native American full moon names and applied them to their own calendars. These descriptive names are still in use today. 

The Algonquian’s of Connecticut named June's full moon the "Strawberry Moon" because this is the time of year when the wild red strawberries began to ripen. To celebrate this treasured fruit, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut is hosting a family-friendly series of activities honoring the gifts and the significance this fruit has to many Native American communities. This fun-filled cultural event is being held on Saturday, June 17 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

 Most of us would agree that it is difficult to resist a perfectly ripe strawberry, which is one of the most popular fruits in the world! At this event, guests will learn how strawberries were used as a medicine, in cuisine, and in ceremonies. Visitors of all ages will enjoy strawberry refreshments as they listen to traditional Native American stories. A high point of the afternoon will be a guided plant walk along the museum’s trails with Jesse Rose Komaromi, a member of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Along the way, guests will learn about reclaiming relationships with the natural world as seen through an Indigenous lens. A takeaway from this experience is that this humble fruit represents life, good health and so much more. 

Pre-registration for this event is advised because space is limited on the walk. To register, visit https://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call 860-868-0518, ext. 453. The price to participate is $15 for non-members, $5 for members, and an additional $5 for the guided forest walk. 

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 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.