IHT Sustaining Our Roots: Closing Generational Gaps in Indigenous Food Practices

Indigenous Health Topics (IHT) is dedicated to featuring speakers who are recognized experts in health, education, and research—locally, regionally, and nationally. Presentations center on issues that significantly affect American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Topic: Indigenous Food Systems This discussion addresses Native American traditional medicinal practices, food sovereignty, and health disparities. Megan Lhotka, Pembina Ojibwe, from the Center of American Indian and Minority Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School, shares personal experiences, cultural teachings, and historical context to emphasize the importance of reconnecting Indigenous communities with ancestral food pathways and lifeways. She discusses the importance of traditional food practices and how they are central to cultural identity and community health; historical barriers and their lasting impacts on health; modern barriers such as food deserts; the importance of preserving cultural teachings; and cultural healing. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by guests are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse or assume responsibility for any statements made by participants. 00:00 Welcome 02:48 Presenter Introduction 07:55 History of the United States and Native Health 12:42 Impacts of Colonialism on Indigenous Health 14:03 Why Land Matters 16:00 Health Disparities in Native American Communities 17:12 Modern Food Pathways 2041 Traditional Food Pathways 21:59 Traditional Food Pathways- Seasonal 39:10 Reconnecting with Indigenous Roots 41:22 Living a Decolonized Life 45:40 Traditional Foods 47:14 Q & A From Mayo Clinic to your inbox, sign-up for free: https://mayocl.in/3e71zfi Visit Mayo Clinic: https://mayocl.in/2COVmlm Like Mayo Clinic on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayoclinic/ Follow Mayo Clinic on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayoclinic/ Follow Mayo Clinic on X, formerly Twitter: https://x.com/MayoClinic Follow Mayo Clinic on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mayoclinic