In 2022, Indigenous Peoples’ Day falls on Monday, Oct. 10. Seward Co-op recognizes that Indigenous people lived in the area we know as Minnesota and near the Mississippi River for over 12,000 years. Across the United States, this day of reverence challenges the narrative that European colonizers “discovered” America when, in fact, many Indigenous nations had been thriving on and living in harmony with the land for many years. We celebrate this day to honor Indigenous culture and contributions, both past and present.

Connect Through Food

On Monday, October 10, visit the Deli on Indigenous Peoples’ Day to connect with Native American flavors. While supplies last, Indigenous People’s Day bowls feature recipes developed by Sean Sherman that showcase Indigenous flavors. Enjoy cedar-braised beans or maple-juniper chicken with a side of squash, three sisters mash, wild rice pilaf, and a wojape (thick mixed berry) sauce. $1 of each bowl supports the October SEED recipient, Dream of Wild Health. The Hot Bar will feature a special menu that includes some of the items in the bowls, so make sure to stop by and try them all.

Award-winning chef and The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen cookbook author, Sean Sherman (he/him), has been busy since he spoke at Seward Co-op’s 2018 Annual Owner Meeting. His work in community led him to founding North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), which is dedicated to addressing the economic and health crises affecting Native communities by re-establishing Native foodways. NATIFS’ work is rooted in reversing the damage of colonialism and forced assimilation with food at the heart of this reclamation. In addition to establishing NATIFS, this last summer, Sean opened Owamni, a modern Indigenous full-service establishment that presents a decolonized dining experience that recently won the prestigious James Beard award for “Best New Restaurant.”

Round up for Indigenous Organizations

One way Seward Co-op lives its Ends Statement to “sustain a healthy community” is through robust community grants. The SEED program is a simple yet powerful community-giving opportunity that allows customers to “round up” their grocery bills for recipient organizations that share our commitment to a healthy community. October’s SEED recipient is Dream of Wild Health, and November’s is Little Earth Residents Association. Dream of Wild Health is a Native-led youth leadership organization with a 30-acre farm. Your donation supports Native youth from Minneapolis reconnecting with their cultural traditions while learning important skills and advocating for food sovereignty. Funding from the Seward Community Co-op will support Little Earth’s Urban Farm Program. The farm provides culturally relevant food to 1,000 Native residents located in the East Phillips neighborhood. Support Indigenous-led organizations at Seward Co-op by including a SEED donation at the register.

Learn from Indigenous Leaders

We are honored to partner again this year with the Indigenous Food Network and local members of Indigenous-led organizations Dream of Wild Health, Division of Indian Work, Gatherings Café, and American Indian Family Center to share their knowledge through a series of cooking and lecture workshops.

These six classes in November will all focus on different recipes using traditional ingredients. We will learn how to make delicious meals, drinks, medicines, and desserts as instructors share their expertise on sourcing, sustainability, and environmental impacts on local and native-grown foods. You can view recordings of last year’s Indigenous Foods Class Series here.