AIFS and AICE 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
​May 31, 2024

Arizona American Indian Tourism Association to Host Indigenous Food Symposium and Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience at Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

Phoenix, AZ, 5/31/2024—The Arizona Indigenous Food Symposium & Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience is a two-day pivotal event. It will take place November 22-23, 2024. This event offers a unique opportunity to experience first voice Indigenous food ways,  culinary creations, conversations and the  celebration of the diverse Arizona Native food traditions.

 The symposium brings together Indigenous communities from the region to share their rich knowledge, practices, and perspectives on traditional foods, plants, and medicines. This event is enlightening and inspiring, focusing on food sovereignty, environmental justice, health and wellness, and preserving cultural food practices and relationships with the land and natural resources. Topics highlighted at the symposium include gathering and preparing traditional foods, restoring indigenous food systems, climate resilience strategies, decolonizing food practices, and indigenous ecological knowledge.

On the second day, the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association (AAITA) will present the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience, a vibrant celebration of Native American Heritage Month. This event guarantees a sophisticated, distinctive, authentic Arizona experience featuring Native Arizona cuisine, arts, and live performances. Attendees will be spectators and active participants in curated tasting stations and demonstrations. They will engage in interactive conversations with Indigenous chefs and demonstrators, transforming it into a sensory delight and a profound cultural experience.
 
The Indigenous Food Symposium is more than an event. It's a pivotal platform that fosters dialogue, builds collaborative networks, and tackles crucial issues such as food sovereignty, environmental justice, health, and wellness. It plays a vital role in preserving cultural food practices and relationships with the land and natural resources, making it an event of utmost significance.
Participants can engage in various presentations, panels, and workshops led by esteemed indigenous experts, elders, and community members. Key topics include:
Gathering and Preparing Traditional Foods:  Learn about traditional foods' harvesting, preserving, and cooking techniques through hands-on workshops and demonstrations.
Restoring Indigenous Food Systems: Discover methods to rejuvenate traditional agricultural and culinary practices that have sustained indigenous communities for generations.
Climate Resilience Strategies: Share and explore knowledge on adapting food practices to cope with changing environmental conditions.
Decolonizing Food Practices: Discuss ways to remove colonial influences from food systems and restore indigenous autonomy over food practices.
Indigenous Ecological Knowledge:  Highlight the importance of traditional ecological knowledge in promoting food sovereignty and environmental stewardship.

Both event days are curated and designed to sustain and reclaim Indigenous food traditions, promote food security, and strengthen connections to ancestral lands and waters.  "We are excited to bring together so many knowledgeable and passionate individuals to celebrate and preserve our rich culinary heritage," said Zach Doka, President of AAITA. "These events will educate and empower our communities to continue these traditions for future generations."

**About the Arizona American Indian Tourism Association**
The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association promotes and enhances tourism opportunities for Arizona's American Indian communities. AAITA supports preserving and sharing Indigenous cultures, traditions, and lands through educational programs, events, and advocacy. For more information on the association, visit https://arizonaindiantourism.org/
 
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 Contact: Jeffrey Lazos Ferns ​

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