Embracing Tradition: How Online Cooking Shows and Lifestyle Blogs Are Reviving Indigenous Ingredients in Everyday Meals
A Culinary Movement Rooted in Heritage
In a heartwarming effort to reconnect Indigenous communities with their culinary heritage, a unique movement is gaining traction, spotlighting the traditional foods that were once staples before European influences altered Indigenous diets. Mariah Gladstone, a passionate advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty, is leading the charge with her innovative online cooking show, Indigikitchen, which encourages families to incorporate native ingredients into their everyday cooking.
Mariah Gladstone: A Journey Back to Roots
Since the age of just three, Mariah Gladstone discovered her unyielding passion for food. After completing her studies in environmental engineering at Columbia University, she returned to her home on the Blackfeet Nation. It was during these summer visits that she recognized a profound disconnection in Indigenous communities from their traditional food systems.
“After graduation, I took vacation days from my job to attend food sovereignty conferences. At one of those events, I realized that someone needed to launch a cooking show focused on Indigenous foods. I decided it had to be me,” says Gladstone.
From this ambition, Indigikitchen was born, seamlessly blending engaging YouTube content with a treasure trove of recipes showcasing native ingredients like berries, corn, squash, and wild rice.
Food Sovereignty: A Call to Action
Food sovereignty isn’t just a trendy term—it represents a powerful concept introduced by La Via Campesina in 1996, advocating for the right to healthy, culturally appropriate food produced sustainably. Gladstone emphasizes that her recipes are not merely culinary instructions; they are a vital link to ancestral knowledge and traditions.
“I aim to connect people with crucial information about sustainable harvesting methods, planting knowledge, and traditional recipes that honor our heritage while fitting into modern lifestyles,” says Gladstone.
By collaborating with native farmers and fishermen, Gladstone is not only revitalizing local businesses but also nurturing the land and traditional ecosystems that support them.
Spreading Knowledge Across Borders
Indigikitchen may be rooted in Montana, but its influence knows no bounds. Gladstone has become a sought-after speaker at various events across the southwestern United States and the Great Lakes region. Her work even extends across borders, fostering connections with other nations within the Blackfoot Confederacy in Canada.
With the help of social media, Gladstone has effectively turned Indigikitchen into a community hub where recipes can travel fast—supporting native producers and promoting healthy nutrition in Indigenous communities.
“Indian Country is small, and social media serves as a digital telegraph,” she explains. “The more people utilize my recipes, the greater the impact on nurturing our communities.”
Discovering Indigenous Recipes
The Indigikitchen website features a delightful array of recipes, including:
- Three Sisters Soup—a harmonious blend of corn, beans, and squash.
- Pemmican—a blend of dried buffalo meat, dried cranberries, blueberries, and grass-fed beef tallow.
- Sunflower Maple Cookies and Mesquite Blue Cornbread—sweet treats rooted in tradition.
These dishes serve as a conduit to explore the rich variety of "pre-contact foods," essential for promoting a vibrant food culture and enhancing health within Indigenous communities. Notably, for regions like the Navajo Nation, classified as a "food desert" by the USDA, revitalizing traditional diets is crucial for community well-being.
Other Trailblazers in Indigenous Cuisine
Another remarkable voice in this culinary renaissance is Alana Yazzie, a native food and lifestyle blogger. Her blog, The Fancy Navajo, showcases Diné recipes that encourage readers to embrace their heritage. With recipes like blue corn waffles and sumac berry smoothies, Yazzie makes it easy for anyone looking to integrate Indigenous ingredients into their everyday meals.
"There’s an art to blending traditional ingredients with contemporary dishes," Yazzie notes. "But it doesn’t have to be daunting."
Yazzie, who now resides in Phoenix, highlights the growing accessibility of Indigenous ingredients through local and online Native small businesses—making it easier than ever to celebrate culinary traditions.
A Bright Future for Indigenous Foods
Mariah Gladstone’s impact continues to grow, as she prepares to speak at the Flagstaff Festival of Science in September. Invited by Kelly Saganey, a member of the Diné community, Gladstone aims to bridge the gap between Indigenous ecological stewardship and scientific understanding, showcasing the significance of Native foods.
“I want to inspire young Native kids, showing them that a career in STEM doesn’t have to mean working in a corporation. You can start your own project and truly make a difference,” Saganey emphasizes.
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for Gladstone’s essential role as the first Indigenous keynote speaker, further solidifying her position as a leading advocate for Native food sovereignty.
By embracing traditional practices and celebrating Indigenous ingredients, we not only nourish our bodies but also our cultural identities, paving the way for future generations to savor the flavors of their heritage.
Explore More
For more insights into the revival of Indigenous cuisine and the inspiring stories behind it, visit CRONKITE News.
Together, let’s embark on a culinary journey that honors the past while nourishing the future!
