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    Re-release: How learning about indigenous foods can open up your worldview (with Sean Sherman)

    en-usNovember 27, 2023

    Podcast Summary

    • Learning new skills and exploring cultures through cookingCooking new dishes can broaden horizons and foster deeper connections to cultures and histories

      Cooking can lead to deeper connections and new experiences. The story shared by Chris Duffy illustrates how making a traditional Persian dish, Fessendun, not only allowed him to learn a new skill but also opened a window into a new culture and history. Similarly, chef Sean Sherman uses food as a tool to promote conversations about indigenous people and their culture. By trying new dishes and learning about the history behind them, we can broaden our horizons and build meaningful connections. The absence of indigenous foods in mainstream cuisine is a missed opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich culinary traditions of various cultures.

    • Exploring indigenous food systems provides valuable insights into the past and potential benefits for the futureUnderstanding indigenous food systems deepens our connection to history and culture, and can lead to a more sustainable and inclusive food system.

      Understanding and appreciating indigenous foods is essential for all of us, no matter where we are in the world. Indigenous history and the land we inhabit are interconnected, and exploring indigenous food systems can provide valuable insights into the past and potential benefits for the future. Chef Sean Sherman's work is a testament to this, as he emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the history and significance of indigenous food and the relationships we have with local plants, foods, and cultures. By engaging in these conversations, we can gain a deeper understanding of our past and work towards a more sustainable and inclusive food system. Additionally, seeking knowledge from scientific studies and experts, as demonstrated by the Science Versus podcast, can help us navigate the complexities of our world and make informed decisions.

    • Appreciating and supporting local and regional food systems rooted in indigenous traditionsConnecting with indigenous food systems offers valuable lessons from the past, reintroduces us to the land, and celebrates ongoing relevance and importance in North American food traditions.

      It's crucial to appreciate and support local and regional food systems, especially those rooted in indigenous and native food traditions. These systems offer valuable lessons from the past that can be applied to today's world. Many people, particularly those growing up in urban areas, are disconnected from the land and the source of their food. By understanding the importance of indigenous food systems and their history, we can reconnect with the land and learn valuable techniques for agriculture, seed saving, wild food foraging, and food preservation. Moreover, indigenous food systems are not historical relics but vibrant and evolving practices. To deepen our connection to food, we should ask ourselves how we can include the indigenous stories behind the foods we eat and cook every day. By doing so, we can broaden our understanding of North American food traditions and celebrate their ongoing relevance and importance.

    • Exploring Indigenous Food and TraditionsIndigenous communities offer valuable knowledge and nutrition through their unique food traditions, emphasizing plant usage and sustainability. Learning from them can broaden our palates and preserve cultural heritage.

      Indigenous food and culinary traditions offer a rich and diverse source of knowledge and nutrition, often overlooked in modern diets. Indigenous communities have a deep connection to the land and have utilized hyper-local, culturally appropriate foods for generations. These traditions, which are now considered trendy or new, have been ignored in the Western diet. Indigenous diets feature immense plant usage, with a focus on sustainably harvesting and utilizing every part of the plant. There is a vast array of plant diversity and knowledge to explore, and it's important for us to recognize and learn from these communities as stewards of this knowledge base. By focusing on indigenous food and traditions, we can not only learn about new flavors and ingredients but also help preserve this important cultural heritage for future generations.

    • Rethinking our relationship with food and landEmpowering individuals to grow and process their own food, focusing on localized systems, and rebuilding a connection to food production can reduce political control, create equitable access, and address food deserts and insecurity.

      Food is more than just a physical nourishment; it's a powerful tool for connection, inspiration, and community building. By focusing on localized food systems and empowering individuals to grow and process their own food, we can reduce the political control over food and create a more equitable access to nutritious options for all. The speaker emphasizes the importance of rethinking our relationship with food and land, encouraging the growth of community gardens, and utilizing underused spaces for food production. By taking small steps, such as growing food in apartments or repurposing lawns, we can begin to rebuild a connection to the idea that food doesn't have to come from a factory. This approach not only benefits individuals and communities but also has the potential to address larger issues such as food deserts and food insecurity.

    • Discover Edible Plants in Your BackyardExplore local plants, learn to identify them, and incorporate them into cooking for new flavors, sustainable agriculture, and cultural preservation.

      There are countless edible plants in our own backyards that have been overlooked by the western diet. By learning to identify these plants and incorporating them into our cooking, chefs and food enthusiasts can unlock a world of new flavors and ingredients. Sean Sherman, a Native American chef, encourages exploring local plants and using them to create dishes that represent the moment and place. Indigenous agriculture, which has a rich history and diverse practices, is an excellent source of inspiration for creating new and exciting dishes. By embracing these local resources, we can not only expand our culinary horizons but also support sustainable agriculture and preserve cultural traditions.

    • Appreciating Indigenous Knowledge and TraditionsRecognize importance of native foods, learn history, promote education, open eyes to unique offerings, acknowledge past atrocities, promote indigenous voices, connect to nature, and embrace lifelong learning

      Understanding and preserving indigenous knowledge and traditions, particularly in relation to food and land, is crucial for future generations. This includes recognizing the importance of native foods, learning about the history and trauma of indigenous communities, and promoting education and representation. The speaker emphasizes the need to open our eyes to the world around us and appreciate the unique offerings of different regions. The current movement towards acknowledging and addressing past atrocities and promoting indigenous voices is a positive step forward. Personal education and connection to nature are also essential components of this journey. The excitement of learning new things and reconnecting with the land is a lifelong process.

    • Exploring Indigenous Foods and Supporting SovereigntySupport regional indigenous growers and BIPOC food producers to promote food sovereignty and representation in the food industry. Learn about indigenous foods and recipes through resources like Indigikitchen and Gatherings Cafe.

      There is a rich and exciting world of indigenous foods waiting to be explored, and as a non-indigenous person, there are ways to support food sovereignty and the work being done in this area. Indigenous food sovereignty is important because many indigenous communities lack generational wealth and face challenges in starting businesses. Supporting regional indigenous growers and BIPOC food producers is a great way to make a difference. Additionally, there is a lack of representation of Native American and indigenous restaurants in major cities, and efforts are being made to change that through support systems and development programs. To learn more about indigenous foods and recipes, resources such as Indigikitchen and Gatherings Cafe are great places to start. And, for those looking to make a difference, taking the time to search out and support indigenous food producers is a meaningful way to contribute.

    • Supporting Indigenous Food CulturesPreserve history, promote creativity, avoid cultural appropriation, educate and amplify indigenous voices, connect with nature, and respect origins and people.

      Supporting and celebrating indigenous food cultures is crucial for preserving history and promoting creativity. Cultural sensitivity is essential when sharing these traditions, and it's important to avoid cultural appropriation. Education and awareness are key to amplifying indigenous voices and helping to combat erasure. By learning about different regions and communities, we can connect with nature and apply new flavors to our culinary experiences. Let's continue to explore and appreciate the rich diversity of indigenous food traditions while respecting their origins and the people who have stewarded them for generations.

    • Understanding and preserving indigenous food systemsEmbrace diversity and learn from indigenous knowledge to benefit the environment and provide better food access for communities, inspiring positive change and personal growth.

      Indigenous food systems hold valuable knowledge that can benefit the environment and provide better food access for communities. Chef Sean Sherman emphasizes the importance of understanding and preserving this diversity, which can lead to new perspectives and appreciation for the world around us. He encourages being open to learning and embracing diversity as a lifelong process. By applying indigenous knowledge and working together collectively, we can make a positive impact on the world. Chef Sherman's passion for food and learning has inspired him to be a better human, and his work has changed the way he views his immediate surroundings. Through open-mindedness and continuous learning, we can all strive to make a difference in our own ways.

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    Sound editing by Jarrett Sleeper of MindJam Media

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