Native America Calling: ‘The Fancy Navajo’ and a look at a systemic suppression of Native food

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Indian boarding schools notoriously worked to stamp out Native languages, religions, and cultures.

And part of that was an effort to cut ties between Native children and their traditional means of sustenance. In light of President Joe Biden’s apology for the Indian boarding school era, Native America Calling reviews another legacy of the shameful federal policy.

And Alana Yazzie, who goes by The Fancy Navajo, just launched a new cookbook, which blends old and new Native food traditions.

Young Indian girls said to be on their first day of school at the Theodore Roosevelt School on the Fort Apache Reservation in Arizona on June 19, 1923. Photo: Records of the Bureau of Indian Affairs / National Archives and Records Administration

Arlen Washines (Yakama), member of the Washington State Truth and Reconciliation Tribal Advisory Committee

Alana Yazzie (Totsohni/Ta’neeszahnii), author of The Modern Navajo Kitchen: Homestyle Recipes that Celebrate the Flavors and Traditions of the Diné

Jim LaBelle (Iñupiaq), member of board of directors for National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition