Feeding Our Past, Nourishing Our Future

Mckela Kanu & Emnet Sisay•podcasters.spotify.com

Feeding Our Past, Nourishing Our Future developed as an idea between two college students who were interested in exploring the relationship between Indigeneity and food. This idea eventually culminated into an even deeper look into identity as a whole, the importance of maintaining autonomy over the foods one consumes, developing a greater sense of community through the reclaiming your personal history, and the tie between Indigenity and sustainability. Hosted by: Emnet Sisay and Mckela Kanu

Last refreshed: July 9th, 2025 at 9:50 AM ⓘ

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Episodes

Episode 10: Conclusion!

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela conclude the podcast with comments on the pre and post-production process, the various emotions experienced throughout the project, the setbacks, and their gratitude for the conversations they had with the interviewees. To read the transcription of this episode, click here! Music: "Unglodly Hour" ChloexHalle. Columbia Records. 2020....

Oct 23, 2020•16 min

Episode 9: Evan!

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Evan Saura Ramsey (Fillipino-American, MPP candidate at Harvard Kennedy School and MBA candidate at MIT Sloan). This episode revolved around the contradictions, difficulties, and joys of being part of the diaspora. We discussed ways we have tried to reconnect to our culture, along with how food was an important part of that reclamation process. Evan also talked about his personal definition of what it means to be part of the diaspora and the process ...

Oct 21, 2020•49 min

Episode 8: Philomena and Owen

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Philomena Kebec (Ojibwe, Policy Analyst) and Owen Schwartz (Community Dietitian) both who work at the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission . GLIFWC is an organization dedicated to preserving the autonomy and power of Indigenous people through protecting treaty rights, along with the rights to hunt and fish. Philomena and Owen are currently working on a program revolving around food sovereignty and assisting Indigenous communities with dist...

Oct 19, 2020•52 min

Episode 7: Mea and Jean-Luc!

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Mea Johnson (Apache) and Jean-Luc Pierite (Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana). Mea and Jean-Luc are both members on the Board of Directors for the North American Indian Center of Boston (NAICOB). Per their website: NAICOB has provided cultural, social, educational, and professional related services to the New England Native American community for 50 years. Themes of this episode include cultural preservation through food, the importance of centering N...

Oct 16, 2020•53 min

Episode 5: Somali Bantu Elders!

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela partnered with Abdullahi and Alicia from the burgeoning Somali Bantu Farm in Utica, NY. The main mission of the farm is providing sustainable food options for the Somali Bantu community along with creating a hospitable atmosphere where youth can continue learning and embracing their culture and traditions. This episode features a Q&A with prominent themes such as interdependence, community, and the importance of sustaining traditions in both younger and olde...

Oct 13, 2020•40 min

Episode 4: Yotakahron!

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Yotakahron Jonathan (M.A., B.A., Mohawk Nation, Bear Clan). Born and raised from Six Nations Reserve, Yotakahdron is a MD from McMaster University School of Medicine, the co-founder of the Indigenous Health Curriculum Action Group, a trained traditional dula, and a co-host of the Heartberry Podcast. Throughout this episode, Yotakahdron talks about how food is a source of healing, what dismantling a colonial food system looks like, and the significanc...

Oct 09, 2020•51 min•Ep. 4

Episode 3: Nataka!

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Nataka S. Crayton, who is the operation manager at Urban Farming Institute . UFI created the first as-of-right commercial urban farm in Boston. Headquartered in Mattapan, the Urban Farming Institute (UFI) is building on this strength and turning neighborhoods green. Throughout this episode, we talk about what it means to be a black farmer, food as a means of health and her mission to make fresh food more accessible to BIPOC communities. Transcription...

Oct 07, 2020•37 min

Episode 2: Leonardo!

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Dr. Leonardo E. Figueroa Holland (Associate Professor of Environmental Policy and Sustainability Management at New School). This episode, we discuss the significance of indigeneity and Indigenous people in upholding biodiversity and the general health of the planet. Throughout the conversation, we also discuss how to change a system that relies on exploitation and alienation of people from their land, food, and culture. To read the transcription of L...

Oct 05, 2020•54 min•Ep. 2

Episode 1: Laticia!

In this episode, Emnet and Mckela talked with Dr. Laticia McNaughton (Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan). The themes of this episode revolve around gratitude along with reclaiming food and personal histories and the impact that has on one’s emotional well being. We also discussed generational trauma, specifically Indigenous erasure, and the fulfillment that comes from the act of healing emotionally and spiritually. Transcription of Episode 1 Reading mentioned in this episode: Figueroa-Helland, L., Thomas...

Oct 02, 2020•42 min•Ep. 1

Introduction To Our Podcast!

Welcome to Feeding Our Past, Nourishing Our Future ! In the first installment of the podcast, Mckela and Emnet introduce themselves and lay out the details of upcoming episodes. Transcription of the Introduction Music: Michael Neil, Cameron Osteen, Raury Tullis, Fatimah Warner. "Diddy Pop." Telefone, performed by Noname, Raury, and Cam O'bi, Soundcloud, 2016....

Sep 29, 2020•6 min

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