Feeding Our Past, Nourishing Our Future Mckela Kanu & Emnet Sisay

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela conclude the podcast with comments on the pre and post-production process, the various emotions experienced throughout the project, the setbacks, and their gratitude for the conversations they had with the interviewees.

To read the transcription of this episode, click here!

Music: "Unglodly Hour" ChloexHalle. Columbia Records. 2020. 

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Evan Saura Ramsey (Fillipino-American, MPP candidate at Harvard Kennedy School and MBA candidate at MIT Sloan). This episode revolved around the contradictions, difficulties, and joys of being part of the diaspora. We discussed ways we have tried to reconnect to our culture, along with how food was an important part of that reclamation process. Evan also talked about his personal definition of what it means to be part of the diaspora and the process of finding security and comfort in who you are as a person.

To read the transcription of this episode, click here!

Music: Destin Route, Jared Gagarin, Marian Mereba, Ronald Gilmore, Sam Hoffman. "Sandstorm (feat. JID)." performed by Mereba and JID. 2019.

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Philomena Kebec (Ojibwe, Policy Analyst) and Owen Schwartz (Community Dietitian) both who work at the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. GLIFWC is an organization dedicated to preserving the autonomy and power of Indigenous people through protecting treaty rights, along with the rights to hunt and fish. Philomena and Owen are currently working on a program revolving around food sovereignty and assisting Indigenous communities with distributing traditional food to their members. In this episode, Emnet and Mckela discuss the theme of loss and connection and how intertwined food and culture is with one’s everyday life. We also discuss the importance of making food accessible, the agency embedded within Indigenous histories, and treaty rights in Ojibwe history.

Transcription of this episode!

Music: "For the light" performed by Digging Roots. 2014. 

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Mea Johnson (Apache) and Jean-Luc Pierite (Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana). Mea and Jean-Luc are both members on the Board of Directors for the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB). Per their website: NAICOB has provided cultural, social, educational, and professional related services to the New England Native American community for 50 years. Themes of this episode include cultural preservation through food, the importance of centering Native American culture and joy, as well as how community led initiatives hold great power to make huge changes in our food system. We also have a discussion about what makes something radical and whether recognizing our humanity is part of that.

Transcription of this episode! 

Music: "Roof Over My Head" performed by The Northwest Kid and Dozy. 2019. 

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela partnered with Abdullahi and Alicia from the burgeoning Somali Bantu Farm in Utica, NY. The main mission of the farm is providing sustainable food options for the Somali Bantu community along with creating a hospitable atmosphere where youth can continue learning and embracing their culture and traditions. This episode features a Q&A with prominent themes such as interdependence, community, and the importance of sustaining traditions in both younger and older generations. Please consider donating to the GoFundMe link below  to help the farm continue its mission and expand their production. 

GoFundMe Link (https://www.gofundme.com/f/somali-bantu-women-amp-children-farm-amp-market?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1) 

Transcription of this episode! 

Music: "Wanna Do My Thing", performed and written by Matata. 1994.

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Yotakahron Jonathan (M.A., B.A., Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan). Born and raised from Six Nations Reserve, Yotakahdron is a MD from McMaster University School of Medicine, the co-founder of the Indigenous Health Curriculum Action Group, a trained traditional dula, and a co-host of the Heartberry Podcast. Throughout this episode, Yotakahdron talks about how food is a source of healing, what dismantling a colonial food system looks like, and the significance of traditional medicine. We also discuss how passing on indigenous knowledge is important to the preservation of their food systems. 

To read the written transcription of Yotakahron's episode, click here! 

Music: Lauryn Hill & Johari Newton. "Everything is Everything" Performed by Lauryn Hill. 1999.