Developing Acorn Bites, a new snack from Pomo and Miwok youth, involved tribal elders, ancient harvesting methods, and navigating cultural and bureaucratic challenges.
Sonoma County Groups Embrace Return of the Mighty Acorn
Oak trees are among the most visible icons of the ancient Northern California landscape. With dark limbs curling above a carpet of grass, they lend an almost parklike visage to the foothills. The ten native species here also have seasonally dropped vast quantities of edible harvests of acorns, which support a bounty of wildlife and once fed indigenous people, who used fire and other tested practices to protect and nurture productive “orchards” in the woodlands.
How Tribal Youth Ambassadors are Reviving Local Indigenous Food and Culture
American Indian communities in the United States have some of the highest rates of diabetes and cardiovascular and liver disease. A combination of poverty, limited access to healthcare, a lack of access to fresh food, and high stress contribute to these health problems.
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Tribal Youth Ambassadors present at the 2018 National United National InterTribal Youth (UNITY) Conference
More than 2,000 Native American Youth from across the United States and Canada gathered for the 2018 National United National InterTribal Youth (UNITY) Conference in San Diego. The annual conference, which takes place at a different location each year, gathers together youth councils from tribes across the country. UNITY’s mission is “to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian and Alaska Native youth, and to help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement.”
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Wellness Warrior Spotlight: ACORN Youth Group Completes Harvest Challenge
Wellness Warriors inspires native youth across the country to seek out and share traditional recipes for their “Harvest Challenge”. Below is one California submission that has gone far and beyond in helping address their community needs! Check out their recipe on the “UNITY Wellness Warriors” Mobile App, Free for download in app stores for Android and Apple users. Modern Acorn Mush.
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