From wild game to berries, Indigenous ingredients are gaining much-deserved recognition, particularly in popular culture. Mariah Gladstone, the force behind Indigikitchen, made waves on the cooking show “Chopped,” showcasing Native foods in a special Indigenous Inspiration episode.
Gladstone expressed her excitement, stating, “It was such an honor to represent Indigenous foods on a platform like that. We don’t often see our ingredients or our stories in those spaces.” In “Chopped,” chefs must create dishes using surprise ingredients while racing against the clock. For Gladstone, this was not just about winning. It was a chance to celebrate tradition and introduce Indigenous cuisine to a wider audience.
“I wanted to honor those ingredients and where they come from,” she shared. Gladstone’s work goes beyond cooking. Through Indigikitchen, she produces recipes, tutorials, and educational content that focus on Indigenous ingredients and food systems.
Revitalizing traditional foods is central to her mission. Many of these foods, like wild game and native grains, are nutritious and sustainable. Gladstone believes that raising awareness about these foods can help dispel myths surrounding Native cuisine. “There’s this misconception that Native food is something of the past,” she explained. “But it’s living, it’s evolving, and it absolutely belongs in today’s kitchens.”
Her appearance on “Chopped” marks a crucial step for representation, introducing a cultural narrative that many viewers aren’t familiar with. Gladstone hopes to inspire others to reconnect with their heritage through food. “I hope people see this and feel proud,” she said.
Interest in Indigenous food systems is growing. In 2021, a survey found that over 60% of respondents were curious about traditional food practices. Gladstone aims to keep the conversation going, with plans for more recipes and storytelling. Her goal? To bring Indigenous foods and their rich histories back to the table for everyone to enjoy.
For more on her work, you can explore Gladstone’s website here.
