| Cooking Show Helps Reservation Rediscover Local Flavor |
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| Written by Erika Fredrickson | |||||
| Thursday, 28 February 2008 | |||||
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There are some people who would be fine with the idea of the whole world eating jojo potatoes and fried chicken from local convenience stores. And there are others who feel that the diversity of food global markets bring is somehow the pinnacle of civilization. But what about the idea of culturally appropriate, local food? On the Flathead Reservation in Pablo, Montana, three Native American women -- Heather Cahoon, Jody Perez and Genevieve King -- have just launched a cooking show called Rez Chef that takes a look at preparing traditional Native Indian foods. The idea of the cooking show (which is broadcast on the Salish Kootenai College's public television station, KSKC-TV) stemmed from a Traditional Living Challenge Camp that gave Pablo residence the opportunity to prepare elk, camas, skunk cabbage, buffalo and salmon -- among other traditional foods -- in new and old ways. It's one approach some residents are taking in order to help families combat diabetes and cardiovascular diseases that have become so prevalent. In a Missoulian article, Anita Dupuis, director of the Salish Kootenai College Community Health and Development Department said, “Historically, Native American genetics weren't made to properly digest and metabolize non-Native cuisine, i.e., sugar, flour and trans fat.” Her goal is to help people return to those native diets. But is this just a health issue? Culturally-appropriate eating has often included community gatherings, and a connection between older generations who teach the younger ones about how to prepare foods. It's also local eating, which often allows the eater to see how their food choices impact the economic and environmental aspects of where they live.
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It's true what our moms said...we are what we eat. In fact, it's truer than they thought. What I eat doesn't just affect me anymore, it affects all of us.
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