Edible Memory: Revitalizing Ancestral Appetite, Taste, and Flavor through Indigenous Culinary Art and Cuisine as Food Sovereignty

Abstract

This dissertation presents a culinary ethnography focusing on the Indigenous Food Sovereignty movement within the kitchens and kitchenspaces of Turtle Island. By adopting decolonizing methodologies and alterNative Indigenous approaches, combined with sensory observation and hands-on cooking experiences, a profound exploration into the world of Indigenous culinary arts, cuisine, and culture was achieved. This research journey revealed the nuances of embodied ancestral memory, examining how such memories are transmitted and activated through culinary practices. The immersive nature of the study fostered an intimate and sensorial perspective on culinary anthropology, leading to the formulation of novel Indigenous culinary methodologies. Through this work, deeper insights are provided into the rich tapestry of Indigenous culinary heritage and its significance in contemporary movements centered on food and identity.