A Native Community Preserves its Food Traditions

Members of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation are keeping #TraditionalFoodways alive in the face of #ClimateChange and human impact.

By Allie Hostler
November 21, 2017

Excerpt: "Changes in tribal food systems and lifeways began in 1853 as the #CaliforniaGoldRush brought a mass incursion of #WhiteSettlers. Making way for the newcomers and addressing the '#IndianProblem,' California paid a bounty for Indian scalps, which proved to be more lucrative than panning gold. The first session of the California State Legislature passed the Act for the Government and Protection of Indians in 1850, which legalized removing Natives from their land and separating Native families.

"Ceremonies were ambushed and villages were burned. In 1856, the U.S. government forcibly removed 1,834 #Tolowa to coastal concentration camps. By 1910, like many California tribes, the Tolowa population had dwindled—from more than 10,000 to just 504. Despite the 14th Amendment, the Act for the Government and Protection of Indians was not fully repealed until 1937.

"Relying on the knowledge held by the few families refusing to give up their traditional ways, the Tolowa persevered.

" 'My family managed to hold tight to our food, language, ceremony, songs, beliefs, and protocols,' says Jones. 'We fought to keep connected. We purposefully protected and passed along this way of being so it didn’t die.' "

Read more:
https://civileats.com/2017/11/21/a-native-community-preserves-its-food-traditions/

#SolarPunkSunday
#IndigenousFoodSovereignty
#TraditionalFoods #FoodSovereignty #Foodsecurity #IndigenousAgriculture #TolowaDeeni’ #AnimalProducts #IndigenousFoodSecurity #IndigenousFoodSystems #LandBack
#Reclaiming #Decolonize #CulturalErasure #Genocide #CulturalSurvival

Organic reach: #FoodSovereignty moves to the web

#ColonialContact brought foreign food and disease to tribal nations. Now, a digital generation is reconnecting with tradition.

by Kim Baca April 18, 2018

Excerpt: "When Native Americans were forced to assimilate — confined to reservations and placed in Indian boarding schools — traditional food preparation waned, forgotten in a world of processed foods and modern cooking conveniences. But [#MariahGladstone], who shops at the grocery store, hunts or receives food from family and friends, wants to show how easy, affordable and tasty Indigenous cooking can be. Her recipe for salmon cornmeal cakes, which takes just five steps and five ingredients, appears in a how-to video on her 'Indigikitchen' (Indigenous kitchen) Facebook page, which has more than 1,400 followers.

" 'There is also a lot of interest from Native communities across the country to revitalize their Native foods, not only for the health benefit but for the connection to our ancestors and to recognize our identities as Native people,' she said.

"Some Indigenous chefs are incorporating traditional foods in anti-Thanksgiving pop-up dinners, cooking without any dairy, processed flour or sugar, all ingredients introduced after European contact. This excludes #frybread, often considered a traditional Native food enjoyed at powwows and other Indigenous events. Few realize that frybread was created by Navajos in 1864, during their forced removal, when they had little to eat other than U.S. government rations of white flour, sugar and lard.

"But 'pre-Contact' cooking is more than a foodie trend for people like 13-year-old Maizie White, an #AkwesasneMohawk seventh-grader who writes about Indigenous food and shares recipes on her blog, NativeHearth.com. Her recipes include avocado hominy salsa, spiced squash waffles, wild rice stuffed squash and venison roast and gravy.

" 'It helps #IndigenousFarmers and local people who are growing the food to make a living,' said White, who was invited by #SeanSherman, an #OglalaLakota also known as '#TheSiouxChef,' to cook at the renowned James Beard House in New York City. 'We’re giving back to our community and it is much more healthier and much more economical to cook. It also brings us back to what was here beforehand and respect what was already here.' "

Read more:
https://www.hcn.org/issues/50-7/tribal-affairs-organic-reach-food-sovereignty-moves-onto-the-web/

Archived version:
https://archive.ph/E2FRq

#SolarPunkSunday #AnimalProducts #IndigenousFoodSecurity #IndigenousFoodSovereignty #IndigenousFoodSystems #LandBack #Reclaiming #Decolonize #TraditionalDiets #AntiThanksgiving #TraditionalFoods #IndigenousPeoplesMonth

I have made this blend before... I might have to make some (or a variation) for gifts this year! I think that I might use a substitute for almond oil (maybe cocoa butter?). I seem to remember it not being very solid...

Three Kings Blend

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon essential oil of frankincense
1/2 teaspoon essential oil of myrrh
1/4 teaspoon essential oil of sandalwood
1 tablespoons grated beeswax
1 tablespoons sweet almond oil

Method:

Melt beeswax in an enamel or glass pan over boiling water. Add sweet almond oil; combine. Be patient with this step; it’s important to blend them completely.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the oils.
Fill small clean, dry glass jars with the solid perfume.

http://elkinvanaeon.net/Alchemy_II/Herbs/three_kings.htm

#DIY #AnimalProducts #SolarPunkSunday #DIYGifts #ThreeKings #DIYHolidayGifts #ThreeKingsPerfumeWax #PerfumeWax

This #SoapRecipe calls for using an immersion blender (aka, bar mixer). We switched to using one of those for our #soapmaking, and it makes a huge difference!

How to Make Soap with #Tallow: Recipe & DIY Tutorial

November 4, 2018 by Marisa Tolsma

"Today I’m sharing how to make tallow soap. Grass fed tallow has amazing skin benefits, and when combined with other natural oils for extra lather, it makes a beautiful soap."

Learn more:
https://bumblebeeapothecary.com/how-to-make-tallow-soap-recipe-diy-tutorial/

#AnimalProducts #SolarPunkSunday #SoapRecipes #BeefTallow #DIY

This year, we're going to make some #ColdProcess soap with #BeefTallow instead of #PalmOil (they are nearly identical in SAP value, an important component in soapmaking), and contribute to a soap's hardness.

The recipe below is for #HotProcess soap, but is very similar to the recipe we use for Cold-Process soap (pretty much substitute Tallow for Palm Oil).

Easy #TallowSoap Recipe

February 11, 2024
Heather Dessinger

https://mommypotamus.com/tallow-soap-recipe/

#AnimalProducts #SolarPunkSunday #DIY #SoapRecipes

#Tallow And #Beeswax For #Leather Recipe

May 23, 2025

"Leather has been a trusted material for centuries, and keeping it in top condition requires a little care. That’s where our tallow and beeswax recipe comes in—a natural, time-tested solution for nourishing and protecting leather. This blend not only restores shine but also adds a layer of durability, extending the life of your favorite leather goods.

We love this recipe because it’s simple, effective, and free of harsh chemicals. Both tallow and beeswax have been used for generations to condition and waterproof leather. Together, they create a rich, creamy balm that works wonders on everything from boots to belts. Whether you’re a leather enthusiast or just looking to revive an old bag, this DIY recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients

To create this natural leather care recipe, we need just a few key ingredients. These come together to form a nourishing product perfect for maintaining and restoring leather items. Below, we outline the specific items required for this blend and their respective use.

What You’ll Need

3 oz of Tallow (preferably grass-fed for its purity and superior conditioning properties)
1 oz of Beeswax (use natural, yellow beeswax for the best protective barrier)
2-3 drops of Essential Oil (optional, adds a subtle fragrance and extra conditioning – choose scent-free if preserving natural leather aroma)
Small Heatproof Container or Bowl (for easy mixing)
Double Boiler Setup (ensures controlled heating and prevents burning)
Clean Cloth or Applicator Sponge (for applying the finished mixture to leather)

Ingredient Notes

Tallow: Acts as a natural emollient, deep-conditioning leather to prevent cracking while replenishing oils.
Beeswax: Provides a water-resistant barrier, protecting leather from moisture and enhancing flexibility.

Why?

1. Deep Conditioning and Moisturization
Tallow acts as a rich, natural conditioner that penetrates leather fibers deeply. Unlike synthetic alternatives, it replenishes lost oils effectively, preventing cracking and drying. Leather treated with tallow regains its softness and flexibility, making it look and feel brand new.

2. Enhanced Water Resistance
Beeswax creates a protective barrier on the leather surface, shielding it from moisture and water damage. This is especially useful for items like boots and bags exposed to the elements. The wax seals the pores of the leather while still allowing it to breathe, ensuring longevity and resilience.

3. Restoration of Shine
Combining tallow and beeswax restores the natural luster of leather. When applied, the blend gives a polished, glossy finish that enhances the leather’s visual appeal without making it look overly synthetic or plastic-like.

4. Protection Against Wear and Tear
Both tallow and beeswax add a layer of protection that minimizes wear over time. Scratches, scuffs, and stains are less likely to penetrate the leather, keeping it in excellent shape. With regular use, this blend ensures that your leather maintains its strength and beauty for years.

5. Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free
One of the biggest advantages is the all-natural composition of tallow and beeswax. They are free from harsh chemicals that can weaken leather over time. This makes them a safer, more sustainable choice for maintaining our leather treasures."

Learn more:
https://gluttonlv.com/recipes/tallow-and-beeswax-for-leather-recipe/

#AnimalProducts #NoPFAS #NoChemicals #NaturalWaterproofing #SolarPunkSunday #LeatherConditioner

#CastIron #SeasoningPuck Recipe with #BeefTallow

by Jamie Satterwaite | Nov 10, 2024

"Creating your own seasoning puck for cast iron cookware is a fantastic way to maintain and enhance the non-stick surface of your pans. This recipe combines the richness of beef tallow with the drying properties of castor oil to form a durable and effective seasoning layer."

Ingredients

3 oz beef tallow
1 oz castor oil
1 oz beeswax pellets or grated beeswax (for a harder, more solid puck)

Equipment Needed

Double boiler or a heat-safe bowl and saucepan
Mixing utensil (spoon or spatula)
Silicone molds or ice cube trays
Parchment paper (optional)
Airtight container for storage

Learn more:
https://threelittlegoats.com/cast-iron-seasoning-puck-recipe-with-beef-tallow/

#AnimalProducts #DIY #SolarPunkSunday #Homesteading

The new face of British #leather – how #RegenerativeFarming is reshaping fashion

British Pasture Leather’s MADE WITH collection is a collaboration connecting farmers, designers, and makers to restore value to the land and everything that grows from it – Caroline Garland explores whether these materials could provide a compelling alternative to conventional leather

Tuesday 28 October 2025

Excerpt: "What Grady and Robinson are offering is a compelling alternative to conventional leather. The global leather industry currently relies on factory farming, toxic tanning chemicals, and untraceable supply chains that are harmful to both people and planet. Industrial tanning often uses #chromium and other hazardous substances that pollute waterways and expose workers to toxic chemicals. It’s about as far away from nature as you can possibly get.

"Robinson elaborates: 'As a designer, you don’t have the choice to work with a material that has a connection to agriculture or a specific part of the food system that you wish to support. After my own collection, I found there really wasn’t a way to work with a similar type of leather that offered that provenance that opportunity to connect to landscapes and farming communities.'

"Grady adds: 'If we are raising animals for food, we should use all parts of those animals meaningfully. We put so much care into raising them thoughtfully, prioritising welfare and #ecosystems and when transformed into leather, it’s the part that endures. I realised we don’t look at leather as an agricultural product, but we should be able to make that distinction and bring the same values we bring to our food choices.' "

Read more:
https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/indybest/fashion-beauty/the-new-face-of-british-leather-how-regenerative-farming-is-reshaping-fashion-b2845046.html

#SolarPunkSunday #AnimalProducts #VegetableTanning #RegenerativeAgriculture #BiodegradableLeather
#Microplastics #Pleather

Ahhhh... Using a hand-drill to start a fire. Now that takes me back to my days at the Wilderness School! I'd love to try and make a pottery-kiln (I'll be researching that soon...)

#Australia - Making #lime with Primitive Technology

"When heated above 840 degrees Celsius, the lime decomposes into calcium oxide (CaO) or #Quicklime and releases carbon dioxide (CO2). When water is added to the quicklime it becomes calcium hydroxide Ca (OH)2 or #LimePutty. From here the calcium hydroxide can then be shaped into a form and allowed to set.

Carbon dioxide enters the lime putty as it dries causing it to turn back into calcium carbonate. The new calcium carbonate has then set, remaining solid and water resistant.

In my local geography, calcareous rocks such as limestone are absent leading to a difficulty in acquiring the feed stock for lime making. However, I was still able to make lime by collecting the shells of large terrestrial snails that are native to the rainforest here. The unoccupied shells of these snails were gathered up and stored at the hut. Fire wood was gathered and packed neatly into the kiln.

Importantly, the firewood was stacked on top of the grate rather than underneath it in the firebox as is the normal procedure for firing pottery. Using an ordinary updraft pottery kiln in this configuration allows it to reach much higher temperatures than would be possible during normal use. The wood was lit from above and the fire burned down towards the grate. Alternate layers of shells and wood were added on to this burning fuel bed. After adding the last layer of wood to act as a 'lid' to prevent heat loss from above I left the kiln to finish on its own, unsupervised. The whole process took about an hour and a half.

When the kiln had cooled down a few hours later, I took out the calcined shells. Not shown in the video was the fact that some shells got so hot, the dirt stuck to them turned into slag and fused to them, possibly with the lime acting a flux lowering its melting point. This extreme heat (+1200 c) should be avoided as the over burnt lime becomes 'dead lime', unable to slake in water. Most shells were still useable though. They were taken out of the kiln and had water added to them.

An exothermic reaction then ensued. Heat was produced as the lime quicklime turned into slaked lime. The water heated up creating steam and the shells decomposed into a white paste. The paste was stirred and crushed pottery was added to it as an aggregate (sand is normally used for this, I just had a lot of old pot sherds lying about to dispose of).

This lime mortar mixture was then formed into a block shape and left to dry. It took about a week and a half to set as we have had extremely humid, wet weather. The block was observed to have set demonstrating its properties.

What I created is actually lime mortar, typically used for mortaring bricks and tiles together. It’s basically the ‘Glue’ that holds together the building blocks of masonry structures. From my research 20 kg of lime mortar is used on a 1 m square section of brick wall. 5 kg of lime to 15 kg of aggregate (sand, grog etc.) per a 1 m square section of bricks. The shells, though large, are not terribly abundant. A method for finding shells efficiently needs to be made before considering making lime mortar in this fashion. From my experience sand bars in a creek sometimes accumulate snail shells from higher up in the mountains. In these spots, water velocity decreases and shells in the water tend to drop out of the water column. Additionally lime may be partially replaced with ordinary wood ash in mortar without a corresponding decrease in strength. To conclude, making lime in a land without limestone is possible but can be problematic when trying to do so on a large scale."

Watch:
https://thekidshouldseethis.com/post/making-lime-with-primitive-technology

YT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek3aeUhHaFY&t=46s

Wordpress:https://primitivetechnology.wordpress.com/

Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=2945881

#SolarPunkSunday #SustainableMaterials #TraditionalTechnology #ZeroWaste #Mortar #LimeMortar #Snailshells #Adaptation #AncientTechnologies #Science #AnimalProducts #LocalMaterials