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.