Igiugig - Traditional/Local Foods Challenge.

Written by
Tate Gooden
Published
13 January 2017

A group of Aborigines, walked back into the Bush for seven weeks and ate only traditional native foods. Their health improved when they went away from foods of commerce and dined on what nature intended for them to eat. We learned about this experiment while reading the book “In Defense of Food” by Michael Pollan for our Non Fiction literature standards at Igiugig High school.

We, Igiugig School and Community in Igiugig, AK, are planning to conduct a similar experiment and embark on our own walkabout to Big Mountain and Kokhanok beginning on Columbus Day Oc-tober 9th, 2017. The walkabout will finish in Kokhanok on or near October 24th. The traditional native/local foods experiment will continue through Nov. 20th for a total of six weeks. These dates are totally arbitrary.

This trip will focus on Health, Culture, Geography, Botany, Climate Change, and Survival skills.

Participants will undergo a battery of health tests prior to, during, and after the trip. Health tests to be determined by Igiugig Clinic and available funds(BMI, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol-adults, pulse rate,etc.). Participants will only eat traditional native and local foods save whole grain oatmeal and added salt for a six week period. Results to be published as a class Science Project.

During the walkabout, students will visit important cultural sites and study the geography of Lake Iliamna. We will also be focusing on the natural flora and fauna to keep us fed. We are hopeful that a local herbalist/botanist will accompany us on this trip as well as a photographer/filmmaker . Elder stories to be compiled about the area. Special Moose Permit to be applied for through ADF&G. Stu-dents will also learn and test valuable survival skills while on the trek. If you would like to become a sponsor/donor for this project or are interested in becoming part of this endeavor please contact Tate Gooden at Igiugig. Please pass this on to other folks who might be interested. Thanks!

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Igiugig Tribal Village Council

PO Box 4008
Igiugig, AK 99613


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