Watch Return: Native American Women Reclaim Foodways for Health & Spirit

Return: Native American Women Reclaim Foodways for Health & Spirit is a documentary film that focuses on the efforts of Native American women to reclaim traditional foodways for the benefit of their communities. The film is directed by Karen Cantor and features Roxanne Swentzell, a renowned Native American artist and activist. The documentary highlights the vast cultural knowledge and spiritual significance of traditional Native American foods. The women in the film explain that food is not merely a source of sustenance but also a key component of their cultural identity and community resilience. The film aims to shed light on the severe food-related health problems that many Native American communities face and how these issues can be addressed by reclaiming ancestral diets and traditions.

Throughout the movie, Roxanne Swentzell, a Pueblo artist and farmer, takes viewers on a journey to meet with other Native American women who are working to preserve their cultural and culinary heritage. These women explain how colonialism has disrupted their traditional food systems and how they have been forced to rely on processed and unhealthy foods, leading to alarming rates of diabetes, obesity, and other health problems.

For instance, we see a group of Oglala Lakota women in South Dakota who have started a community garden to grow traditional crops such as corn, squash, and beans. They explain how their ancestors used these crops to create nutrient-rich meals that were both delicious and spiritually meaningful. However, after being forced onto reservations and subjected to government policies that prioritized commodity foods, many Native American communities lost access to their traditional crops and knowledge. By growing these crops once again and reclaiming their knowledge of traditional food preparation, the women seek to improve the health of their communities and revitalize their cultural heritage.

Another scene features a group of Navajo women who are working to reintroduce the Navajo-Churro sheep, a breed that was once central to Navajo foodways but was nearly driven to extinction due to government policies. The women explain how the Churro sheep provided not only meat but also wool and other resources that were vital to Navajo life. By reestablishing this breed and teaching younger generations about their importance, the women hope to reclaim an essential aspect of Navajo culture and improve the health of their community by providing fresh, sustainable meat.

The film also highlights the importance of spiritual connection to food and land. Roxanne Swentzell and other Native American women explain how traditional foodways involve not just growing and preparing food but also honoring and respecting the land and animals that provide it. Respect for the natural world is a key aspect of many Native American cultures, and these women argue that this spiritual connection can also help motivate healthier food choices and more sustainable land use practices.

Overall, Return: Native American Women Reclaim Foodways for Health & Spirit is a powerful and moving exploration of the role of food in Native American culture and the efforts of women to reclaim and revitalize this heritage. The women's stories demonstrate how traditional foodways can provide an essential foundation for community health, resilience, and spiritual connection. The documentary is essential viewing for anyone interested in the intersections of food, culture, and health and for those looking for concrete solutions to the food-related health problems faced by many Native American communities.

In conclusion, Return: Native American Women Reclaim Foodways for Health & Spirit is a heartfelt and thought-provoking documentary that truly captures the spirit and determination of Native American women to reclaim their cultural heritage and improve their community's health. The film succeeds in highlighting the urgent need for a return to ancestral foodways and the incredible resilience and strength of the women who are leading this effort.