Native American Food Culture, Traditions, and Nutrition Counseling: a look into Chippewa/Cree and Navajo Traditions

1. The Chippewa/Cree Medicine Wheel has cultural significance to the 4 directions. Which of the following are included in the significance?

a) North is Meat: Elders
b) South is Corn: Youth
c) East is Water: Amniotic fluid in the womb
d) West is Berries: Adulthood
e) All of the above

2. Which of the following are considered Chippewa/Cree Food Traditions?

a) Treat animals with respect - use all of the animal.
b) Follow traditional protocols for picking berries.
c) Main ceremonial foods are: soup, bread (bannock), tea, berries, grease and no pork is allowed.
d) All of the above

3. Which of the following are considered Navajo Food Traditions?

a) Girls are taught at an early age no to be wasteful when cooking.
b) Girls are not allowed to touch deer, butcher, or tan hides.
c) Hospitality-offer food to visitors, help as much as possible at ceremonies where cooking is involved.
d) All of the above

4. Cultural knowledge can improve relationships with clients in which of the following ways?

a) Clients appreciate the effort made to understand their culture.
b) Clients put more trust in clinicians who know more about their culture and community.
c) Clinicians feel more connected to patients and colleagues.
d) Clinicians may be invited to be part of community events.
e) All of the above

5. Some of the ways nutrition counseling can fit with traditional ways include which of the following?

a) Do not prohibit the consumption of traditional foods.
b) Educate yourself on specific tribal food traditions. Do not make assumptions about traditional foods.
c) Help clients make a plan for community pot lucks or feasts that respects tradition.
d) Help your client plan for sweats and feasts.
e) All of the above