The Journey

I am Jeffrey Lazos Ferns, creator, and producer of the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience; I am a cultural worker with a lifelong passion for Indigenous foodways. My Indigenous food journey began in the Sonoran Desert, a place of my ancestors, the agricultural fields my family worked in, and the home gardens my mother and grandmothers tended. In these places, my classrooms were the plant medicines of my ancestors, the understanding and undertaking of circle gardening and its relation to nature, the human body, and nature’s sustainability.  My mother instilled a deep respect for the land and its bounty, teaching me the importance of preserving our cultural heritage through the foods we grow and the medicines we make.  This legacy of working with the earth continues to inspire my work today as I strive to honor and revitalize the rich culinary traditions of our Indigenous relatives. I will share my journey, producing the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience and the remarkable humans from many cultures who continue to lead, teach, and forge new pathways in this movement.
 
Twila Cassadore
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 Twila Cassadore, a remarkable woman from the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has been a beacon of hope and inspiration in the realm of cultural preservation. Her unwavering commitment to revitalizing traditional Apache foodways is a testament to the power of one individual's dedication.
 
From the moment I met Twila, I was struck by her deep connection to her heritage and her unwavering commitment to keeping her people's traditions alive. For decades, Twila has dedicated herself to documenting and sharing the culinary practices passed down through generations. She is a forager, educator, and captivating storyteller.
 
I remember the times we spent together at Oak Flats, Arizona, where Twila would share her personal stories, and we would gather plants and seeds and discuss the sacredness of this place for her community. She would explain the significance of each ingredient in her community and the wild. Her hands-on approach and infectious enthusiasm made learning an immersive experience. She taught me that preserving these foodways is more than sustenance; it's about reconnecting with our roots and fostering a sense of pride and identity within our communities.
 
Twila's work extends far beyond the kitchen. She collaborates with various organizations and educational institutions, conducting workshops, presentations, and interactive sessions to pass on her invaluable knowledge. Her efforts have garnered attention from media outlets and documentaries, helping to highlight the importance of indigenous food systems and cultural preservation.
 
What impresses me most about Twila is her dedication to environmental stewardship and protecting sacred lands. She understands the intrinsic link between cultural practices, ecological sustainability, and the well-being of her community. Through her advocacy, she preserves traditions and safeguards the natural world that is so integral to those traditions.
 
Twila Cassadore’s unwavering commitment to her culture and people is truly inspiring. She has left an indelible mark on me and countless others, ensuring that the rich traditions of the San Carlos Apache Tribe will continue to thrive for generations to come.
Twila has been a valued part of our program at every Indigenous Culinary Experience.  We hope to see her again this year.
 
If you like to know more about Twila visit her Instagram site https://www.instagram.com/twila_cassadore_/

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