Chef Sherry Pockett Wins James Beard Award

On June 5th, 2023, tribal member Sherry Pocknett made history by becoming the first Indigenous woman to take home a James Beard Award. The award, often referred to as the "Oscars of the food world," is given to chefs who "set high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities, and who are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions, while contributing positively to their broader community" according to James Beard guidelines.

Chef Pocknett graciously accepted her award for Best Chef Northeast at the James Beard Foundation's annual ceremony in Chicago. Sherry gave her emotional acceptance speech in traditional Eastern regalia noting:

"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 catering for over 33 years and opened her restaurant, Sly Fox Den Too, in 2021. Sherry's mission for the restaurant is to serve Indigenous foods and have it act as a cultural center that educates the public on Indigenous foodways, culture, and history.

Being the humble woman that she is, Sherry often credits her family for their part in her successes. She is grateful to her parents, Bernadine Pocknett and Chief Vernon Pocknett, for teaching her how to fish and cook and exposing her to traditional Wampanoag foods all her life. Her first job was working in the dining room of the Flume restaurant, owned by her uncle, tribal Chief Earl Mills Sr. When discussing her James Beard Award, she also noted that "I would not have gotten this award if it were not for my daughters." Sherry's daughters have played an integral role in running her restaurant and continue to do so.

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 annual powwow. Congratulations to Sherry and the Pocknett family for making culinary history; This award is well deserved!