Honoring Native American Heritage Month: Living Traditions, Lasting Lessons

Throughout Native American Heritage Month, Compass Group proudly recognizes the enduring strength, traditions, and values of Indigenous peoples. Today, we continue our celebration with Loran Bowman, Jessi Mauskemo, and María Alejandra Pérez Vélez – whose stories reflect the deep respect for heritage, nature, and togetherness that guide their lives and work.

“I am an Oglala Hunkpapa Lakota with Mandan Hidatsa ancestry,” shares Loran Bowman, who has spent his life in Rapid City, South Dakota. His upbringing was shaped by his maternal grandparents, whose teachings grounded him in the Lakota way of life.

“Among my earliest culinary memories are hiking excursions with my grandfather, during which we foraged for wild plums and berries – he always knew where to find the best produce,” Loran recalls.

Those lessons remain his compass today. “I strive daily to embody Waunsila (compassion), Wowachatognake (generosity), Yuonitian (respect), and Wowahwala (humility),” he explains. These core Lakota virtues guide how he interacts with others and how he views the world – as an interconnected whole where every being has purpose.

That worldview extends to his philosophy on food. “I view cooking as an act of love and gratitude,” Loran says. “From cultivating grain and caring for livestock to producing cheese and bread, every person along the supply chain contributes to nourishing others. I see myself as one link in this continuum.”

As Retail Supervisor at Nourish Café within Monument Health, Loran oversees cafeteria operations, plans menus for national and themed food days, and supports the culinary team as needed. “My sense of belonging at Compass became clear when caregivers expressed appreciation for my presence,” he says. “Observing their anticipation and enjoyment reaffirms my commitment to preparing food with care and intention.”

Raised on a dairy farm in rural Minnesota, Jessi Mauskemo grew up surrounded by hard work, close family ties, and the rhythms of the land. “We raised cows, horses, and chickens,” she says. “Days were long and filled with hard work and worry – but more importantly, they were filled with family.”

A proud Meskwaki Nation member, Jessi carries forward the traditions and celebrations that define her culture. “Powwow has been a summer tradition of dances, joy, and festival for 109 years in our tribe,” she explains. “This year, the Meskwaki Powwow will include five generations of my own family – from my great grandmother to my granddaughter.”

The vibrant event celebrates music, color, and food – especially frybread. “Meskwaki frybread is unique in that it only has three ingredients and is made over an open fire,” she says. “Many use it as a taco shell or funnel cake, but it’s best on its own, straight from the kiln into eager hands.”

Jessi also carries wisdom from a Meskwaki woman in 1845: “Let me go back and take one drink more from the old spring.” For Jessi, that phrase means staying grounded in her roots. “Being part of Native American culture means honoring those who came before me, sharing their stories, and ensuring the lessons of the past are taught to the children of the future.”

At work, she channels those values through patience, gratitude, and connection. “I knew I belonged at the Compass table when I heard the words ‘I appreciate you’ is spoken often and genuinely,” she says.

Born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico, María Alejandra Pérez Vélez proudly identifies as Taíno – the Indigenous people of the Caribbean. Her story begins at her grandmother Monín’s home, where family, food, and faith intertwined.

“My grandmother, Ramona Aponte Ayala, came from the countryside of Aguas Buenas,” María Alejandra shares. “By age twelve, she and her siblings helped cultivate and harvest, though poverty remained constant.” Despite hardship, her grandmother became a school cafeteria manager – first walking, then riding horseback to work – and built a home that became the family’s gathering place.

From her grandmother, María Alejandra learned compassion and community. “Even when resources are scarce, there is always enough to share,” she recalls. “She taught me to be grateful for what nature and spirit provide.”

One dish especially connects her to her Taíno roots – Guanime con Bacalao, a cornmeal dough rolled in banana leaves and boiled, served with codfish stew. “These foods and traditions remind me that Taíno heritage lives on in Puerto Rico – in our language, customs, and daily lives,” she says.

Now a Cook at the Puerto Rico Convention Center with Levy, María Alejandra finds that same spirit of care and togetherness at Compass. “I knew I belonged at the Compass table when I felt the genuine concern for every employee’s well-being.”

Continuing the Celebration

From the Lakota plains to the Meskwaki powwow grounds to the Taíno kitchens of Puerto Rico, Loran, Jessi, and María Alejandra remind us that food, family, and community are sacred ties that sustain us all.