Chef Sherry Pocknett, who used to be the food and beverage manager for the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center, is a finalist for the illustrious James Beard Awards.

She is nominated for her work at her Sly Fox Den Too restaurant in Charlestown, R.I. The restaurant, which she opened in 2021, focuses on Native American cuisine and celebrates Native American food traditions.

Pocknett is a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and grew up on Cape Cod. She was hired to revamp the menu of the restaurant at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum when it was being rebranded in 2016.

Pocknett is one of five finalists in the best chef in New England category of the James Beard Awards, which also includes Renee Touponce of The Port of Call in Mystic.

Pocknett could not be reached for comment.

The winners of the Beard honors will be announced at a June 5 ceremony in Chicago.