MUSKRAT Magazine

FROM THE PUBLISHER:

Boozhoo (Greetings),

Welcome to the second issue of MUSKRAT Magazine! Inspired by life, sustenance and land, this issue is all about FOOD- the ultimate ruler of life for every human and animal on the planet since the beginning of time.

Reflecting on this issue I’ve discovered how food can both imprison and free us and, too often in our communities, how it is killing us. I’ve seen how simple seeds can bring healing and how conscious food choices can bring health to our people with little impact to the land. I’ve experienced first-hand the excitement, sacredness, and teachings involved in hunting and that living in harmony with nature can be unpredictable and rewarding. I’ve learned that ‘traditional’ is actually continuously evolving, food IS art, and that which sustains us brings us closer together.

Join urban Indigenous foodie, John Croutch as he deconstructs the Indian Taco, connecting its evolution to the forced containment of Aboriginal communities onto reserves. John investigates our perceptions of “traditional” foods and challenges us to redefine our relationship to some of our most beloved post-contact foods and to revitalize Indigenous approaches to eating in the ways of our ancestors.

In this issue, our MUSKRAT team unearths the ‘original’ 100-mile diet and talks slow food practices with visiting food warriors such as Mohawk Dotah (Elder), Jan Longboat at her Earth Healing Herb Garden where she cultivates and safeguards Indigenous seeds to feed and heal our communities.

We follow Kory Snache as he upholds familial hunting traditions within one of the most populated regions of Canada, securing hunting as an Indigenous birthright for generations to come.

Curator William Kingfisher (re) defines food as bimaadiziwin (the art of living in a proper way) by planting a gitigaan (garden) that includes strawberry, pennyroyal, tobacco, and wild rice amongst the installation works of Michael Belmore, Jude Norris, and Jimson Bowler. MUSKRAT profiles the works of Lisa Myers and Maria Hupfield as they celebrate stories and confirm that food connects people with places, history, and a sense of identity.

In this issue MUSKRAT digs up memories unearthing stories that impart teachings about respecting food and life and honouring our relationship to land and the sustenance she provides. To celebrate our rich Indigenous food tradition we invite you to feast with us! Wiisnin daa! Let’s eat!

Wasauksing Autumn Dish
with Chef Kai Zyganiuk

The Spirit of Birth and Parenting
Written by Rebeka Tabobondung

But what about Indian Tacos?
Food advocate warrior and Accidental Caterer, John Croutch redefines our relationship to food

Dotah’s House
Elder Jan Longboat Shares Teachings about food

Poetry
Poetry by Giles Benaway

Life Stages and Native Women Memory, Teachings, and Story Medicine

Interview with Author Kim Anderson on her inspiring story-collecting journey towards the health and well-being of Aboriginal women and their communities.

Ayaandagon: outdoor art installations in an anishinaabe garden
Independent Curator William Kingfisher, shares his inspiration for planting an Anishinaabe Garden behind the Art Gallery of Peterborough