Celebration of Basketry and Native Foods Festival & Symposium

© TOCA

Symposium — Open to the Public For the First Time

Thursday, November 12th & Friday, November 13th, 2015 — 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A gathering of indigenous cooks, chefs, farmers, scholars, artists, nutritionists, historians, seed savers and basket weavers to celebrate the vitality of indigenous people, land and food.

Agenda includes basketry, chef and language presentations. Topics include traditional foods and health; food sovereignty; contemporary basketry; preserving the art of basketry; traditional agricultural practices, and a tasting lunch featuring indigenous foods prepared by Guest chefs.

This special event is open to the public for the very first time.

© M. Paganelli

Held at the Warden Oasis Theater at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Taste of Native Cuisine: Special Evening Dinner & Reception

Photo courtesy Lois Ellen Frank

Friday, November 13th, 2015. $150.00 per person.

Reception — 5:30 p.m.

Light Refreshments, held at the Ironwood Gallery.

Dinner — 6:30 p.m.

A unique dining experience featuring Top Native American Chefs who will prepare a spectacular multi-course dinner featuring traditional and indigenous ingredients from across the Americas. Beautifully presented and plated, each chef will discuss their dish and share their inspirations. Participants include James Beard Award winning author Chef Lois Ellen Frank; Emmy award winning Culinary Historian Chef Loretta Barret Oden; Executive Chef and Founder of the Native American Culinary Association Nephi Craig; and Chef de Cuisine Walter Whitewater.

Thank you to our supporter

They will be joined by talented Sous Chefs Terri Ami, Lorencita Billiman, Claudia Serrato and Karlos Baca.

Held at the Ocotillo Cafe at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

Sold Out, thank you for your interest!

Festival — Free with Museum Admission and Free to Museum members

© M. Paganelli

Saturday, November 14th & Sunday, November 15th, 2015, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy the food, basketry and cultural traditions of Native peoples from across the Americas.

Held on the grounds of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.

© M. Paganelli

© TOCA

• Cooking demonstrations and tastings by top and emerging Native chefs from around the country including James Beard Award winner Lois Ellen Frank
• Indigenous cooking demonstrations including Hopi Piki making and Yurok Alder roasted salmon
• Basketry Market featuring top weavers from across the United States and Mexico including internationally acclaimed weaver Terrol Dew Johnson
• Performances by traditional dancers and singers including the renowned Apache Crown Dancers

Partners

• American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI)
• Native American Culinary Association (NACA)
• Tohono O'odham Cultural Center & Museum
• Tohono O'odham Community Action (TOCA)

Accommodations

A block of rooms has been set aside for Symposium/Celebration attendees with a special rate at the Desert Diamond Casino Hotel. In order to obtain the special rate, reservations must be made by October 28th, 2015.