Mariah Gladstone and friends prepare Indigenous-inspired meals for the Indigikitchen online cooking show. (Photo courtesy of Mariah Gladstone)
Revitalizing Native Cuisine: The IndigiKitchen Movement
Since the age of 3, Mariah Gladstone has been captivated by the world of food. Her journey from a small town in northwest Montana to becoming a prominent figure in Indigenous cooking illustrates a passionate commitment to restoring traditional food systems within Native communities.
A Culinary Awakening
After graduating high school, Mariah pursued a degree in environmental engineering at Columbia University. However, her heart remained with her native roots, and during her summers back at the Blackfeet Nation, she became acutely aware of a troubling disconnect between Indigenous people and their traditional food systems.
“Once I graduated,” she recalls, “I took vacation days from my corporate job just to participate in food sovereignty conferences. At one of those events, I boldly declared, ‘Someone needs to start a cooking show about Indigenous foods. I think I’m going to do it.’”
Introducing IndigiKitchen
And just like that, Indigikitchen was born! This vibrant online cooking show marries the richness of traditional Indigenous ingredients with modern culinary techniques. From berries, corn, squash, to wild rice, each recipe is a celebration of heritage and sustainability.
The concept of *food sovereignty*—crafted in 1996 by La Via Campesina—underpins Gladstone’s mission. It champions the right to healthy, culturally appropriate food produced using sustainable methods. On her website, she reinforces the vital role of these recipes in Indigenous culture.
Nurturing Ancestral Wisdom
“I aim to reconnect people with sustainable harvesting methods and our ancestral knowledge,” Gladstone explains. This is more than just cooking; it’s about educating communities on sustainable harvesting and reviving traditional land management practices.
Although Indigikitchen is rooted in Montana, its influence transcends borders. Gladstone travels to various regions, including the Southwest and Great Lakes, offering educational lectures and cooking classes that elevate Indigenous voices.
Connecting with Community through Social Media
“Indian Country is small,” she observes, “and platforms like Facebook act as a digital telegraph, enabling us to reach many communities rapidly.” Every share of her recipes amplifies the need for supporting Native producers and promoting nutritious diets, leading to healthier communities.
Curated Culinary Creations
The Indigikitchen website features an array of tantalizing recipes, including:
- Three Sisters Soup – Combining corn, beans, and squash.
- Pemmican – A nutritious concoction of dried buffalo meat, cranberries, blueberries, and grass-fed beef tallow.
- Sunflower Maple Cookies – A delightful twist on dessert.
- Mesquite Blue Cornbread – A culinary staple revitalized.
Alana Yazzie’s creative twist on blue corn ingredients. (Photo courtesy of Jennifer Hubbell)
Reviving traditional diets is not just a culinary trend; it’s a cultural imperative. According to the National Indian Council on Aging, Indigenous diets were rich with seeds, nuts, corn, and various fruits and greens, representing a holistic approach to nourishment.
The Impact of Food Deserts
Within the Navajo Nation, where the USDA classifies the area as a *food desert*, Gladstone’s efforts are critical. Only 14 grocery stores serve a land mass of 29,000 square miles, making access to nutritious food a significant challenge.
Influencers in Native Cuisine
Another inspiring figure in this movement is Alana Yazzie, who blogs at The Fancy Navajo. She shares vibrant recipes such as blue corn waffles and sumac berry smoothies from her acclaimed cookbook, *The Modern Navajo Kitchen*. With a thriving Instagram following of 29,000, Yazzie leverages social media to showcase Indigenous culture through food, fashion, and gardening.
The Art of Traditional Cooking
“There’s an artistry in blending Indigenous ingredients with everyday dishes,” Yazzie explains. She emphasizes the importance of understanding food science while making traditional recipes accessible.
Educating the Next Generation
After the successful release of *The Modern Navajo Kitchen*, Yazzie actively participates in cooking demonstrations, hoping to inspire others to incorporate these recipes into their daily lives. “Our traditions must continue through culinary practices!”
In September, Mariah Gladstone will be featured as a keynote speaker at the Flagstaff Festival of Science, where she will discuss Indigenous ecological stewardship and the pivotal role of Native foods in bridging cultural and scientific knowledge.
Diné board member Kelly Saganey aims to mentor young Native students: “We want kids to see someone like them thriving in STEM and culinary arts, just like Mariah.”
Join the Movement
The resurgence of Indigenous culinary practices is a vital movement toward health, sustainability, and cultural pride. Let’s cook together, celebrate these traditions, and make an impact on our communities. Explore Indigenous ingredients, and reconnect with your roots on platforms like Indigikitchen and The Fancy Navajo.
