I was raised to believe that food is something to be greatful for. I believe my teachings can relate to the cliche "You are what you eat" because food is related to every part of our way of life as native people. I was raised by my father, who is currently 77 years old. He was a fisherman his whole life ,as was my grandfather and his father.My husband, brother and brother-in-law's are all fisherman as well.At one time all Xwlemi (Lummi) men were fisherman.
Growing up I was fed salmon, clams, clam chowder or fritters,elk meat, crab, shrimp.These are the foods my father was raised on. My father has a smokehouse in the backyard to smoke fish for the Winter. The first catch of the season, that my husband, brothers and brother-in-laws get, all go to my father. This is how it is in all the families on my reservation. My Dad then smokes the fish and packages it the "modern way", which we were only able to talk him into about 10 years ago.
It is the same tradition with the first deer or elk caught of the season. A prayer is said for the spirit of the deer, A Hyshque for for all it will provide. Every part of the deer is used from the hide to the heart.The hide is dried and used as regalia.My father dries some of the meat and freezes the rest.
Now my Dad teaches my son and nephews how to do all these things so that the traditions can continue. This is the first season my son is able to pull canoe, he is being taught by his grandfather what kind of diet he must follow throughout the season. He must be pure mind, body and soul. Food has nutritional, spiritual and traditional values in my culture. As much as "You are what you eat" is a cliche, I believe our elders would even be able to relate it to our beliefs.
Being taught these beliefs my whole life it is expected of me and my husband to teach them to our children. Our children have grown up understanding the importance of the food we catch, hunt and eat. We now live in a much more modern world than my father or grandfather, however food will always be a rich tradition
"Lummi (Xwlemi)" Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia.
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I wonder how it would be if I was raised on the same type of food as you. I enjoy eating sea food but eating theses types was eaten less in my family. Having a smokehouse in the back yard would have made my family food even better or even gave it more of a kick. I would always see and hear about the taste of smoked food but never really experienced fist hand and would love to try it.
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