Indigenous Foodways: A Path to Health & Planet

Indigenous cultures have always recognized food as medicine, intrinsically connecting seasonal, culturally relevant foods to the well-being of both people and the planet. This ancestral wisdom, vital for survival through historical challenges, offers solutions for contemporary issues like political instability and climate change.

Before European colonization, Indigenous groups across North America cultivated robust societies supported by sustainable foodways. These place-based traditions emphasized climate-savvy principles, a stark contrast to modern extractive systems. Techniques such as waffle gardens and chinampas demonstrate sophisticated agricultural practices in harmony with nature, including controlled burns for land stewardship.

Colonization deliberately targeted Indigenous food sources to assert control, leading to devastating effects like the near-eradication of bison herds. However, Indigenous communities displayed resilience, adapting their diets and cultivation methods to new environments, exemplified by the Navajo churro sheep. The current embrace of traditional ecological knowledge and land back movements signifies a critical step towards recognizing Indigenous wisdom's value for a healthier future.