Northwest Indian College

Institute of Indigenous Foods and Traditions

Train the Trainers Program

Diabetes Preventions through Traditional Foods and Traditions

This curriculum explores the nutritional, medicinal, ecological, and cultural significance of foods and medicines that are traditionally used by indigenous people in the Pacific Northwest. It is appropriate for teenagers through adults.  The focus is specifically on traditional foods and medicines that might help prevent or reduce the effects of diabetes and other insulin-resistant disorders.  Lessons incorporate many styles of learning including engaging the senses, hands-on activities, games, stories, and media tools.  Four three-hour classes include:

• Intro to native foods and medicines
• Herbal medicines for diabetes, making herbal teas
• Native edible berries
• Cooking with Native foods

Instructor: Elise Krohn, M.Ed.  Since 2005 she has taught classes, developed curriculum, and coordinated events for the Northwest Indian College Traditional Plants and Foods Program.  Elise also directs the Traditional Foods and Medicines Program at the Northwest Indian Treatment Center.  She has taught over 50 tribal trainers the Diabetes Prevention through Traditional Plants and Foods Curriculum, and is the author of the book Wild Rose and Western Red Cedar and the co-author of Feeding the People, Feeding the Spirit.