During a meeting of the Tribal Youth Ambassadors Program at the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center (CIMCC) in Santa Rosa, Calif., one of the youth had an idea, “Why don’t we create an acorn bite?”
An acorn bite – an idea combining a blend of Indigenous foods with modern foods all in one bite of a protein bar.
“It was a long process and easier said than done,” admitted Nikki Myers-Lim, Executive Director of the museum and cultural center.
Still, the long process has proven worth it! Food Sovereignty is a major aspect of the cultural revitalization programs Lin is striving hard to lead since coming to work at the museum after studying Tribal Justice issues at law school. She said she wanted to, “Impact historical bias before it gets to the courtroom.”
Education around Indigenous foods is one way to address cultural education. That is why, in the unfolding of the Acorn Bite idea, they reached out to Indigenous Chef Crystal Wahpepah, who helped develop the recipe and was involved in the process from the beginning.
“Now we have gone through permits, licensing and building up infrastructure,” Lim said, noting they are currently selling Acorn Bites to Tribal communities and at local farmers markets.
Stewardship of acorns is not simple though. Listen to this podcast led by Electa Hare-Redcorn, IAC Technical Assistance Specialist, to hear about day-to-day operations around this amazing, youth-generated idea. Learn why precious acorn flour can be difficult to come by and how even wildfires impact the creation of this delicious treat!
Listen to the entire interview on the IAC Resiliency through Agriculture podcast: https://resiliencythroughagriculture.podbean.com/e/aif-producer-series-acorn-bites/
Order your Acorn Bites at: acornbites.com
Follow CIMCC at: www.facebook.com/CIMandCC