GBL_HLTH 390: Indigenous Foodways: Cultivating Mind, Body, and Soul
NEW for Fall 2025:
Explore the profound connection between Indigenous food, culture, and well-being in this illuminating course. Delve into the cultural relevancy of foods, tracing their origins and understanding their foundational role in Indigenous origin stories. You'll discover how food serves as medicine for the mind, body, and soul, and learn to approach cooking from a place of spirit and love.
This course also examines the vital food sovereignty movement, exploring the environmental impacts on traditional foodways and their far-reaching effects on Indigenous cultures. Develop a holistic understanding and relationship with food, from seed to soil to plate, and uncover the rich heritage embedded within Indigenous culinary traditions.
Taught by Executive Chef Jessica Walks First (Menominee), Illinois’ first professionally trained Indigenous chef, and owner of Ketapanen Kitchen, this class will include interactive lectures, discussions, and active cooking in a teaching kitchen on campus.
Entry to the class is by application only. Selected students will be notified by July 30th if they have been selected, and are expected to enroll within 48 hours of notification in order to secure their place in the class.
Please send completed applications to globalhealth@northwestern.edu by July 15th. Responses should be limited to under 150 words.
Any questions should also be directed to the Global Health Studies email.
