Are You a Little Sa'sa?

When my son first showed me this video, I had to laugh. Not because of the video, but because Sa'sa was what my aunt used to call me when I was a little girl. "You're such a little sa'sa" she would say, teasingly.

The video is basic enough to get the gist of the story, but I wish it had English translation somewhere, as well. Nevertheless, it's fun to watch and listen.

The Village People

As long as I can remember, people from each of the six nations reservations make a yearly mecca to the NY State Fair for Indian Day held the last Friday of August.  Around the edge of the Indian village, each of the reservations showcase their crafts, be it drawings, carvings, beadwork, or other.  It's a time for seeking out old friends in the Indian village, celebrating who we are as a nation, and remembering the importance of keeping our culture alive.

During the afternoon, dancers from different reservations compete against each other as they showoff their costumes and footwork.

Young Girls' Smoke Dance Competition

The thrill of the midway still draws the young; but for the rest of us, we are content with taking respite from the heat in the shade of the village grove, watching the dancers and trading gossip like wampum.

Traditional Indian Cornbread

Of course, the cook house is one of the first places we visit.  For those of us who live far from home, native foods are a real treat, especially Indian Corn Bread.

Last, but not least, we can't forget our Indian princess.  This year, the young lady was a Seneca from the Allegheny reserve, and is a member of the Hawk Clan.  That explains her beauty!

And, such are the people of the village.

How to Make Indian Tacos

My Hopi sister-in-law was the first to introduce Indian tacos to our family.  Over the years, Indian Tacos have grown in popularity among Indians all over.  I've been using this Blackfoot recipe for years.
We do have our own fry bread, but it's much too heavy.

Blackfoot Fry Bread Recipe
(T-tablespoon)
1 cup lukewarm water
1 1/4 oz package active dry yeast
2 T softened butter
1 T sugar
1 tsp salt
2-3 1/2 cups unbleached flour
oil or shortening for frying


Place water in mixing bowl, sprinkle yeast over water, allow to sit for 5 minutes. Add butter, sugar, and 2 1/2 cups flour. Knead, adding enough flour to form a stiff dough. Allow to rise for one hour. Break apart dough about the size of a baseball. Use a rolling pin to roll it out as you would pie crust. Flour as you roll, turning it over once or twice.


Place oil in a deep saucepan and heat to 350 degrees F. Form dough into disks four inches in diameter and about 1/4 inch thick. Cut a few slices in dough to allow even cooking. Deep fry for about one minute per side until golden brown. The dough will bubble. Drain on paper towel. Makes about 8-10 pieces.





Fried Bread Topping

Canned pinto beans (mashed)
Hamburger (1-2 lbs)
Taco seasoning
Cheddar cheese (1 cup shredded)
Taco sauce
Shredded lettuce (2 cups)

Optional
Onions (chopped)
Sour Cream


Be sure you give yourself enough time to make the bread. If you only want the bread, try it with just salt and butter, (my favorite), powdered sugar, honey..or, make something up of your very own. Enjoy!