What Foods Are Indigenous? And, Mansplaining
My husband is an old ᎤᏁᎬ (white) guy who grew up in the Arkansas delta. You’d think graduating from a school called Osceola High, he’d know a little more about Natives.
Like many Americans, when it comes to Indigenous history and contributions, he starts stupid arguments with Indigenous people (actually only with me) and then doubles down. And for my Indigenous lawyer lady friends who want to avoid this phenomenon, on airplanes, just tell people your name is Linda and that you work at a bank. (Y’all know what I’m talking about.)
Despite our differences in age and life experiences, we are not always “opposites attract.” We are exactly the same, at least when it comes to the (not so) high stakes of home dinner table debates. Two lawyers, enough said.
Months ago, he tried to tell me that potatoes were not Indigenous to the Americas. He knows he’s wrong now, but thinking back on that ridiculous argument, this website should have a resource as to what foods actually ARE Indigenous. Some Native folks don’t know much about this topic either and it’s part of the learning process.
The research has been done by many and and I thank them for making it easily accessible. For a comprehensive list, click here. IndianCountryToday had a great article several years ago you should read: 10 Indigenous Foods Thought to be European
In short, the main staples are: squash, beans, corn, avocados, peppers, tomatoes, and POTATOES and sweet POTATOES, and quinoa. And my favorites are pumpkins, pecans, berries, wild rice and maple syrup. And there’s many many more. Be mindful to eat more of these whole foods. They are all naturally vegan and gluten free.
Humor aside, my husband is actually really good for me in this health endeavor. I can’t imagine being in a home where I got pushback for trying to eat better and exercise more - and I’m sorry for those of you that aren’t fully supported. You will be here.
He’s a true inspiration (if not slightly annoying) on the exercise front. He’s a former marine (and I do understand there’s no such thing as “former” marine). He’s very disciplined and regimented about exercise and is a true life longer runner. He’s also insanely competitive, like me. We ran one marathon together a few years ago (my second one, and no telling how many for him). He stayed with me at my (slow) speed. It nearly killed him to stoop so low, but he did it. So sweet.
He’s a good man, but he really needs be quiet when it comes to the food part of this.