Native Recipes: Gifts from the Grandmother

This collection of traditional recipes and herbal remedies with some traditional stories for children is dedicated to all the travelers I met as I traveled the pathways of both the dark and the red road. This book is dedicated from my heart to the many elders who shared their recipes and cultural traditions and who embrace their cultures in the ways they live. In traditional times Elders taught the children in the tribe by sharing stories around the Campfire. These Talking Stories were told in the short, easy to remember manner loved by young children. And, much like the Aesop’s Fables, each of these stories contains a life lesson…. Recipes and Herbal Remedies It is traditional for First Nation’s people to give thanks, and acknowledge our relations, to the plants, animals, birds and creatures from the water, to show respect for their giving their spirits in order for others to survive. Traditionally elders say prayers to commemorate this sacrifice at a feast gathering. During these gatherings the people shared their recipes and often demonstrated the preparation and cooking of food. Elders would pass on ancient food and herb gathering and preparation guides to the younger members of the tribe.