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Wild Onion Market's Warm Embrace of American Indian Culture
- Bob Benenson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Co-op's Fall Fest on Sunday Celebrated American Indian Heritage Month
I had truly hoped to attend Sunday's Fall Fest at Chicago's Wild Onion Market, which was a celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. The lingering effects of my recent illness preventing me from being there — so I am so grateful to publish this write-up and photos shared by Brent LeBlanc, director of Wild Onion Market's Board and chair of its Marketing Committee chair.
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Wild Onion Market hosted a warm and lively celebration of Indigenous culture with Beyond the Gifts of the Three Sisters, presented in partnership with the Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum, American Indian Health Services, and the St. Kateri Center on November 16. The co-op was transformed into a vibrant community space filled with food, art, storytelling and hands-on learning.
Kudos to Chad Curry, a Wild Onion Market Board member, who took the lead in creating and organizing this amazing event.
Guests explored the deep cultural significance of the “Three Sisters" crops — corn, beans and squash — while enjoying demonstrations of Indigenous cooking, traditional crafts, and stories passed down through generations. Chef Cyndee Fox-Starr shared seasonal dishes rooted in Indigenous foodways, offering a memorable tasting experience centered on local, organic ingredients.
Throughout the afternoon, artisans guided visitors in beadwork and corn-husk dollmaking, inviting people of all ages to connect with the heritage and symbolism behind each craft. Storytellers held the crowd with narratives weaving together tradition, community, and the ongoing experiences of Native peoples today.
A community food drive, hosted in partnership with the St. Kateri Center, added a spirit of giving to the celebration, with attendees donating generously to support the Center’s pantry.
Held during Native American Heritage Month, the festival highlighted the strength, creativity, and continued vibrancy of Indigenous cultures. It also reflected Wild Onion Market’s commitment to uplifting under-represented voices and cultivating connections between people, land, and local food traditions.
