Jonathan Nez, the former president of the Navajo Nation, weighed 300 pounds when he embarked on a mission to encourage tribal youth to embrace healthier lifestyles. His journey began when a young attendee questioned why he was advocating for good health while clearly struggling with his own.
“That question stung,” Nez admitted. But it sparked a significant transformation in his life. He lost 100 pounds by shifting to a mostly plant-based, traditional Indigenous diet and took up running. His journey included participating in 5Ks, marathons, and even ultramarathons.
Nez believes this movement goes beyond diet and exercise. “It’s also about spirituality,” he said. “We aim to challenge the standard American diet and share our traditional knowledge.” For him, this mission stands against the forced assimilation policies that have targeted Native cultures for over two centuries, often stripping away their ability to cultivate and consume native foods.
Phefelia Nez, the former first lady, echoed this sentiment. “Tribes have faced aggressive campaigns, like the Plains tribes losing their bison. For Navajos, it was scorched earth tactics that destroyed our seeds and farming knowledge.”
Since 2008, Navajo leaders have actively promoted a return to native foods. A key moment came when the popular radio show Native America Calling invited an expert from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine to discuss Type 2 diabetes—a serious issue within the Navajo Nation, where one in five adults suffers from the disease.
To address this health crisis, the Physicians Committee devised dietary guidelines that were adapted into the Diné Power Plate, which emphasizes traditional Indigenous foods. Another significant step was the Healthy Diné Nation Act of 2014, which placed a tax on sugary drinks and junk food. These initiatives are showing promising results in combating diabetes.
At recent events, like the 50th annual Denver March Powwow, Nez and other advocates have shared their message about the importance of Indigenous nutrition. They’re not just speaking to a few tribes but are connecting with communities across the board. “It’s empowering to collectively uplift our people,” Nez said.
Despite the push for healthier options, traditional foods like fry bread still resonate. This dish, often deep-fried and served as “Indian tacos,” has a dual history—it symbolizes survival during a harsh era of forced diets. Chef Lois Ellen Frank noted, “Fry bread comes from colonizers, but it also reflects resilience.”
Nez emphasizes mindful eating. “Listen to your body,” he advises. “If you feel sluggish after a meal, it might be time to reconsider what you’re consuming.”
Experts highlight five crops vital to Indigenous diets: maize, beans, squash, chiles, tomatoes, and even cacao. These crops fill the Diné Power Plate and have been emphasized in educational workshops throughout the Navajo Nation.
One inspiring story is that of Jenson Yazzie, who weighed 288 pounds at 22. Encouraged by his family, he transitioned to an Indigenous diet and lost 100 pounds. Now, he feels energized and his chronic pain has lessened. “Eating this way has changed my life,” Yazzie reflects. He focuses on creating art that embodies beauty and harmony, drawing inspiration from his culture.
Yet, there’s still a challenge. The USDA classifies the Navajo Nation as a food desert. With only 14 grocery stores for a population over 200,000, access to fresh ingredients is limited. This reality means many residents rely on fast food or convenience stores.
For generations, Native Americans have dealt with imposed dietary restrictions. Today, as leaders like Nez advocate for nutrition rooted in tradition, they are reclaiming their food sovereignty. It’s about nourishing both body and spirit while honoring their culture.
As Jonathan Nez shares his journey, he hopes to inspire others. “When kids saw me losing weight, they realized I was serious. This movement is alive and growing in the Navajo Nation.”
For more on Indigenous nutrition initiatives, you can read the CDC’s findings on diabetes within Native populations here.
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Denver,equity,Food,health,indigenous people,Native Americans,Navajo Nation
