HONORING OUR GRADUATES

Honoring Our Graduates Banquet

Silver Creek Event Center

This two-part class will teach you how to complete a basket from harvesting the black ash tree to completing a basket. Information on Victim Services programming will be available during the event. Throughout the event, staff will be leading a discussion on domestic and sexual violence prevention and fostering protective factors and resilience in the community. Staff from Victim Services will be available to lead the discussion, answer questions, or speak privately during and after the event, as needed.

Please show up promptly at 11 a.m. if you would like to help with gathering materials. The basket making portion of the class will begin at noon.

Wear comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and shoes, as we will be working outside. Space is limited to the first 20 people who sign up. If you are signing up, please make sure attend both sessions. Bring a dish to pass if you are able. For questions or to register, contact Andy Jackson at Andrea.Jackson@PokagonBand-nsn.gov or Casey Kasper-Welles at Casey.Kasper-Welles@pokagonband-nsn.gov.

Sunday, June 25 | 4 p.m.

The Department of Education is honoring Pokagon Band members who graduated in 2021, 2022, or 2023 with gifts. Those 2021-2022 graduates who have received gifts from Education under the same level of graduation are not eligible for another gift, but are welcome to attend the Banquet.

All other 2021-2023 graduates attending the banquet will receive a $100 Vendor Voucher as their Graduation Gift to use at any present vendor booth. Gifts will be mail for those unable to attend.

REGISTER HERE BEFORE June 9:

What’s that Edible/Medicinal Plant? Wild Violet (Viola spp.)

Wild violets (Viola spp.) are among the earliest emerging flowers in the fields and forests. Wild violets have been used throughout history as a wild edible and medicinal plant. Wild violets typically come in shades and variations of purple, white, and yellow. Violets grow in clumps very close to the ground and are easy to identify. The flowers and leaves of the violet are edible.

The leaves can be used as salad greens and the flowers add a sweet flavor to a salad. Violet flowers can also be used to make such things as violet tea and violet vinegar. When violet flowers are eaten or used in a tea form, they help to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. Additional benefits include stimulation of the lymphatic system and helping to ease headaches if used in a poultice. Violets should be introduced slowly into the diet because they also have a mild laxative effect. Violet flowers can also be dried and used when fresh violets are not available. The next time you are out in the field pick a few flowers and add some color to your salad. As with any new edible or medicinal, please ensure that you have a positive identification before use and utilize in small quantities at first to make sure there are no allergic or adverse reactions.