Every November, the country takes the month to recognize the history, the contributions and the very existence of our Native American citizens. It is easy to spend so much time on the historical background that we don't acknowledge the present contributions in all walks of life and disciplines all over the United States.
In this post:
- Favorite Links - Learn more about Native Americans and their contributions - Past and Present
- Favorite Cookbooks - Native American Cookbooks - Past and Present
Favorite Links and Videos
The National Congress of American Indians is an organization that exists to
to secure to ourselves and our descendants the rights and benefits the traditional laws of our people to which we are entitled to as sovereign nations.from the Preamble to the Constitution of the National Congress of American Indians – Denver, Colorado – 1944
Native American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems
[FROM THE NATIFS] NATIFS works to cultivate the seeds of Indigenous heritage, nourish our people, and honor the land that sustains us.
Over the past two decades there has been an increasing focus on Native foods. Chef Sean Sherman has been at the forefront of this movement – addressing economic and health crises affecting Native communities by re-establishing Native foodways.
The impact of this work led to a growing call from across the country for assistance with tribal food sovereignty projects.
In response, North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS) was born with a goal to generate wealth and improve health in Native communities through food-related enterprises.
From PBS, Indigenous Cuisine and Food from Native Chefs
This is a collection of documentaries, recipes and stories about some of the leading Native chefs in the U. S.
From LibroFM - check out this list of Indigenous owned bookstores in the United States and Canada.
Favorite Cookbooks!
Turtle Island (2025) by Sean Sherman (The Sioux Chef) This new release shares recipes using an Indigenous Pantry and modern cooking methods. Sean Sherman is an Oglala Lakota Sioux chef, cookbook author, forager, and promoter of Indigenous cuisine.
Dining with the Dead (2021) by Mariana Nuño Ruiz and Ian McEnroe. This lovely, lovely book explores the traditional cooking of the Michoacan community as they prepare for El Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Hopi Cookery (1980) by Juanita Tiger Kavena shares community recipes from the families of the Hopi Reservations
Check out the rest of our Native American Cookbook Collection (and save 20% on any of the books) here.
Cover image: (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Daniel Charest)
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