Reclaiming Native Foodways for Health

Overview

This resource is a Kanopy film description page for a 2019 documentary about Native American women reclaiming traditional foodways for health and spirit.

Film Basics

• Title: Return: Native American Women Reclaim Foodways for Health & Spirit
• Year of release: 2019
• Runtime: 28 minutes
• Platform: Kanopy (streaming service)
• Supplier: Vision Maker Media
• Director: Karen Cantor

Focus and Content of the Film

• The film centers on Native American women restoring ancient food traditions to support health and spiritual well-being.
• Main featured person: Roxanne Swentzell from Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico.
• Her efforts to reclaim ancient foodways are presented as part of a wider movement among Native communities.
• The film highlights women from several Native nations: Tlingit, Muckleshoot, Oglala Sioux, Menominee, and Seneca.
• It emphasizes continuity of traditional food practices across different Native cultures on the continent.

People and Communities Highlighted

• Roxanne Swentzell: Charismatic leader from Santa Clara Pueblo focused on reviving ancient foodways.
• Native women from Tlingit, Muckleshoot, Oglala Sioux, Menominee, and Seneca communities demonstrating similar food reclamation efforts.

Access and Technical Details

• The film is available on Kanopy, which can be accessed via libraries and universities.
• Closed captions are available for the film.

Structured Summary Table

Key Terms & Definitions

• Foodways: The cultural, social, and economic practices related to the production and consumption of food.
• Reclaiming foodways: Reviving and practicing traditional methods of growing, preparing, and eating ancestral foods.

Action Items / Next Steps

• Watch the 28-minute film on Kanopy (through library or university access) to see detailed examples and stories.
• Note the different Native nations represented and compare their approaches to reclaiming traditional foodways.