Tribal Food

Throughout the 1500s, 1600s, and 1700s, European settlers came into contact—often by necessity—with the Native American tribes who had long called the region home. Among the most prominent along the Eastern Seaboard were the Powhatan, Piscataway, and Nanticoke peoples. For centuries before colonization, these communities thrived on a deep connection to the land, cultivating crops, hunting game, and practicing sustainable living. Unfortunately, European arrival brought devastating consequences. Diseases carried from the Old World, to which Native peoples had no immunity, caused one of the most significant population declines in recorded history—wiping out nearly 90% of some communities.

Yet even amid this hardship, the food traditions of these tribes reveal a story of resilience, ingenuity, and deep respect for the earth. Agriculture was at the heart of daily life, with corn, beans, and squash—the “Three Sisters”—serving as staple crops not only for their nutritional value but also for their ability to sustain each other in the soil. Hunting and fishing rounded out their diets: deer, elk, and small game provided essential protein, while rivers and coastal waters offered fish, oysters, and crabs. The Powhatan, for instance, were known to prepare hominy from dried corn and to smoke fish for preservation. The Piscataway relied heavily on fishing and shellfish, while also cultivating orchards of native fruits. The Nanticoke, living near the Chesapeake Bay, combined farming with a strong emphasis on seafood like clams and shad.

Meals often reflected both practicality and ceremony. Stews—slow-cooked mixtures of beans, squash, corn, and meat—were common, nourishing families and communities with balanced flavors and essential nutrients. Beyond their role as sustenance, these foods carried cultural meaning, tied to cycles of planting, harvest, and community gatherings. The enduring presence of dishes like Three Sisters’ Stew reminds us that Native American cuisine was not only about survival but also about identity, tradition, and a way of life closely linked to the land.

Visit the Hall of Flavor for recipes and tips on how to prepare these delicacies!

Hall of Flavor