Join us for ARF's Spring Lecture and Reception!

- Reception at 4:30 in the ARF foyer. Lecture at 5:00 in Room 101. -

This talk examines Indigenous food systems in the North American Plateau through modern and archaeological perspectives, with a focus on collaborative research with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. The studies aim to deepen understanding of the historical importance of first foods while addressing contemporary challenges related to food security and health within the Kalispel community. Ethnoarchaeological and nutritional research on traditional camas harvesting, processing, and roasting in Kalispel homelands, guided by Tribal experts, reveals that traditional methods significantly enhance nutritional density and improve transport and storage efficiency. These insights informed archaeological investigations at the Indian Creek site (45PO358), where excavations of 10 earth ovens uncovered evidence of diverse diets. This diversity challenges the narrow archaeological focus on singular resources and highlights the complex, integrated nature of Kalispel foodways, offering a richer perspective on adaptive strategies and cultural resilience.