July Mittark

Chef Sherry Pocknett Wins Best Chef Northeast

Tribal member Sherry Pocknett made history on June 5th as the first Indigenous woman to win a James Beard Award, taking home the prestigious award for Best Chef Northeast. Sherry runs Sly Fox Den Too in Charlestown, R.I. She opened the restaurant in 2021 and named it after her late father, Mashpee Wampanoag Chief Sly Fox, Vernon Pocknett.

Sherry was a semifinalist among twenty other chefs from New England and was ultimately selected as the winner where she was honored at the foundation's annual ceremony in Chicago. This accomplishment has gained her national attention, as the James Beard Awards are often referred to as the "Oscars of the food world." Sherry gave her emotional acceptance speech in traditional eastern regalia and noted:

"I have cancer. I'm sure I'm not the only one in the room that does, but I'm almost through it. This honor is just unbelievable. It's something that I never even dreamed of. Thank you."

Sherry has been an active Wampanoag community member her whole life, and tribal members have been fortunate enough to have her food catered at many tribal social events, including at the tribe's annual powwow. Congratulations to Sherry and the Pocknett family; this award is well deserved. 

Secretary Deb Haaland Visits Mashpee

As inter-tribal drummers and singers sang an honor song at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Government Center Thursday, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland stood somber among roughly 150 Wampanoag tribal citizens.

"I'm honored to be here with all of you. Thank you for inviting us, thank you for hosting us, and thank you for being such beautiful people," said Haaland.

Haaland is one of the first Native American women to serve in Congress and is the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary. During her time in Congress, she focused on environmental justice, climate change, missing and murdered Indigenous women, and family-friendly policies, according to the U.S. Department of Interior website. Haaland is a member of the Pueblo of Laguna Tribe. 

Before spending time with tribal citizens during a traditional Native American social, Chairman Weeden said Haaland met with members of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Council, and took a tour of the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum, the Old Indian Meetinghouse, and Punkhorn Point in Popponesset Bay.

She spoke with tribal leaders like Mashpee Wampanoag Chief Earl "Chiefie" Mills, Jr. - who was raised May 6 - Chief Earl Mills Sr., and Sagamore Vernon “Buddy” Pocknett. Earlier in the day, said Weeden, Haaland also visited the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and headed to Rhode Island Friday to spend time with the Narragansett Indian Tribe. 

The 102nd Annual Pawâw has returned to Mashpee on July 1st 2nd and 3rd. The 2023 annual pawâw features special events, contests, food, vendors, drumming and dancing, and will be held on the Pawâw Grounds at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Community and Government Center. Gates for the powwow will open daily at 10:00 AM.

The application for the 2023-2024 Mashpee Wampanoag Powwow Princess competition is available online here. All eligibility requirements are stated within the form, and applications are due by July 3rd at 12:00 PM.

Medicine Man Earl “Guy” Cash will hold the traditional Naming Ceremony for tribal members on Sunday, July 2nd starting at 6:30 AM at the Meeting House.

The Sly Fox Mishoon Race will also take place powwow weekend with prize money donated from the Native Land Conservancy. For the entire program click the button below.

Explore Additional News in this month's Nashauonk Mittark

List of Committee and Board Seat Openings