Celebrating Native American Heritage

Native American History and Harvest for March

The month of March has been marked by significant events in the history of Native Americans.

Here are some notable occurrences that happened throughout the month of March

March 2nd

1867: An act is passed today which will purchase a reserve for SAUK and FOX of 4.5 square miles.

1876: The Secretary of War is impeached for taking bribes to make political appointments.

1989: The NAVAJO Code Talker Monument is erected.

March 3rd

1513: Today, Ponce de Leon will leave Puerto Rico. His destination is Florida and the fountain of youth. De Leon will claim Florida for Spain.

1819: The United States starts its Indian “civilization” program.

1988: The Alaska Native Claims Act is amended.

March 4th

1643: Today, the CANARSEE Indians will negotiate a peace with the Dutch in Fort Amsterdam. The CANARSEE are the Indians who sold Manhattan to Peter Minuit for $24 in trinkets, even though they did not own it.

1829: President Jackson gives his “just policy for Indians” speech today.

March 5th

1831: Today the Supreme Court decided the case of the CHEROKEE Nation v. Georgia. The court decided that the CHEROKEEs are not a “foreign state”, and therefore the court has no jurisdiction in the dispute. However, the court does decide that the CHEROKEEs are a distinct political society capable of governing itself and managing its own affairs. (See March 3, 1832)

1861: The Confederacy appoints, today, Albert Pike, of Arkansas, to negotiate treaties with the Indians in the region. He will establish the “United Nations of the Indian Territory” as an Indian confederacy to oppose the government of Abraham Lincoln.

1891: The city of Phoenix offers a $200 bounty for dead Indians.

March 6th

1777: Today, 70 SHAWNEE warriors, led by Chief Blackfish, will attack some settlers near Harrodsburg, Kentucky. One of the men, James Ray, managed to escape and warn the settlement of the war party. The SHAWNEE will attack Harrodsburg tomorrow.

1873: After hearing from Hooker Jim of the “trap” at the Fairchild ranch, Captain Jack has his sister Mary Write a letter to the commissioners. The letter states Captain Jack’s wish for both sides to forget the killings on both sides and for the slate to be wiped clean. Captain Jack wants no more killing, but he will not give up his people to be hanged. He states he has not asked for the whites who have killed his people.

To read more on these events, visit their website at March - American History - Native American Heritage Programs

MARCH HARVEST: SWEET POTATOES

Just found the most amazing article on the Indigenous Food Hubs 2025 Harvest of the Month.

Cultural Significance:
Tribes, especially in the southern and eastern parts of the united States, eat sweet potatoes as a key part of tehir diet and agricultural practices. It was and is important nutritionally bur also culturally, holding a special role in ceremonies and other cultural practices. Taino people of the Caribbean called sweet potatoes "batatas."

Nutrition and Fun Facts
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, fiber, vitamins B6 and E, and potassium. All aid your metabolism in producing energy for cognitive performance.
They are also a great source of iron and antioxidants, which reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Sweet potatoes are, in fact, not potatoes! Potatoes are tubers (meaning they are part of the stem of the plant), and sweet potatoes are roots.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest ranked sweet potatoes at the number one most nutritious vegetable!
“Yam” is used interchangeably with sweet potato, but they are a different species, typically from Africa or Asia

For more information on this and more about the importance of sweet potatoes for our people, visit their website at harvest_of_the_month_march_sweet_potato_