Why and How to Document the Traditional Food System in your Community: Report from Breakout Discussions at the 2017 Native American Nutrition Conference

Abstract

ABSTRACT Two conference breakout sessions at the 2017 Second Annual Conference on Native American Nutrition focused on the reasons and methods to document traditional food systems. The sessions included examples from 4 communities of Indigenous Peoples. A total of 60 participants discussed their thoughts and experiences within their communities on documenting traditional food systems. Some of the reasons, or “whys” for the documentation, included reinvigorating the culture to benefit the youth and those who had moved away from the community, preserving Elder knowledge, and increasing the ability to use the local plants. The methods, or “hows” of the documentation discussed included making sure the communities lead projects, protections are in place for the knowledge holders, and creating a contemporary feel for youth. Meeting transportation needs was paramount, as was creating a network of people and communities involved in documenting and reintroducing traditional food systems. This was exemplified by the diverse and experienced participants of these sessions and the associated conference.