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May 2025
25m 18s

Where does maple syrup come from?

American Public Media
About this episode

Today’s episode is all about the best breakfast topping, the sap that slaps…maple syrup! If you’ve ever had maple syrup on your pancakes or waffles, you have the Native people of what’s now called North America to thank for that. Native people have been making maple syrup for hundreds, if not thousands of years.


Tag along with Joy and cohost Marvin as they explain how syrup is made. Minnesota Public Radio reporter Chandra Colvin also drops by to share how Native communities continue this centuries-old syrup tradition. Plus, you won't want to miss a new First Things First, so stick around!


Featured Experts:
Chandra Colvin is a reporter for Native News at Minnesota Public Radio. She’s also a member of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. You can find more of her work here.


Forest Hunt is a plant scientist with the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute. They are a direct descendant of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota.


Shirley Boyd and Bette Sam are elders in the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.

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