An Infused Indigenous Dinner
There are some conversations that are extremely important but extremely hard to have. Today I want to have that conversation with you.
Native Women suffer from violence at a rate of 2.5 times greater than any other population in the United States.
It’s numbers and statistics that are staggering. Numbers and statistics that I had not given a second thought to. I arrived to the beautiful Joy Room Chi with no real expectations. Excited to take part in what seemed to be a special night for everyone in attendance. What I ended up experiencing was much deeper and significant than I had expected.
A Meal Blessed with Healing Energy
I am far displaced from my indigenous roots. Far from the country where my ancestors walked, and far from the people of the country where I walk. I can’t claim to know much about Native tribes and customs. Most of my knowledge comes from popular Tik Tokers and hashtags that turn into rabbit holes. Let me tell you, there is nothing like experiencing true Native culture first hand.
The night was started with an impactful speech. A diatribe on the violence that plagues the tribes. On the many resources taken, on the perseverance of so many. There was a collective sorrow in the room. A disdain for what can only be described as the wrong side of history. The Native tribes and their suffering is not unique. And through tears and through smiles we got to hear directly from the heart of their hurt.
The Medicine Dance
Over the loud banging of drums, we experienced a shift. Everyone sat quietly as we allowed the vibrations to consume and move us. Experiencing this in such a small space really amplified those vibrations. Drum beats turned into a story told. A story we were all there to hear, and feel.
We are not accustomed to experience other peoples customs. Something rooted in the land we walk on, and yet we are so far removed from it. I had not experienced any thing like the emotions that I experienced that night, and looking around I could tell that was true for many people in attendance.
Cannabis and Culture
One of the twists of the night was the full course indigenous inspired dinner- that was infused! Chef Jessica Pāēmonēkot worked together to infuse small aspects of the meal. Chicago’s first and only Native American executive chef. Anyone who knows me knows just how skeptical I am of infused meals. Edibles, like rice krispy treats and lollipops are ok, but when it comes to infusing a whole meal, you have to be very mindful. You have to have knowledge of infusions. But most importantly, you have to have common sense.
I was pleasantly surprised when I learned the dosage amount from Stoner Nat, who worked directly with chef Jessica to incorporate cannabis. Using a strain from the 93 Boyz brand. She mentioned reasonable mgs ranging between 25-50. That definitely eased my nerves about the experience and I was able to chow down on the delicious feast in front of us.
The meal consisting of a delicious Bison brisket and Turkey, complete with stuffing and infused Gravy. From the meats to the lovely charcuterie, everything was delicious. Executed with love and care for all of te guests. Everything was done tastefully, with containers of infused Olive Oil on hand. Allowing you to infuse as little or as much as you want to. I shared a couple of joints with some of my colleagues prior to the dinner, and so I found myself light handed with the infused foods.
Still I do have to say I went a little crazy with the bread and olive oil.
The entire experience was so impactful.
After the presentation, we were all just so moved. There was definitely a change, and we all were more intentional about the food in front of us and about the conversations we were having. I am very grateful to have shared a meal with members of the Menominee tribe. Thank you again to Stoner Nat, Chef Jessica, and to everyone who was a part of the presentation.
