Imagine a time before refrigeration when communities relied heavily on the sun to preserve their food. Picture ancient villagers gathering fruits and vegetables, spreading them out on sun-drenched stones and wooden slats, allowing the elements to transform their harvest into something that could last for months.

This fascinating practice of drying and sun-curing has been pivotal in human survival, allowing people to stockpile provisions and celebrate seasonal abundance.

Salt has played a crucial role in shaping human civilization, acting as a key preservative that has allowed societies to thrive through the ages.

From the Roman garum to Indigenous fish preservation techniques, understanding and reviving ancient food preservation methods can help us reduce food waste while reconnecting with our cultural heritage. 

Preserving food has been a central part of human survival for millennia.

Long before modern refrigeration, Indigenous cultures worldwide developed methods to ensure they could store food for long periods.

Two of the most effective techniques— curing and smoking — were used to protect meat, fish, and even vegetables from spoilage. Both methods remain relevant today and are seeing a resurgence among food enthusiasts who appreciate their practicality, sustainability, and the deep flavours they create.

Orange Shirt Day, observed annually on September 30th along with the Day of Truth and Reconciliation, is about remembrance and education and shedding light on the painful legacy of Canada’s residential school system.

Understanding Indigenous history and making efforts to decolonize mindsets is something that Shara — the creator of Recipes & Roots — and her family feels strongly about. Often, decolonizing and indigenizing goes hand-in-hand with reconciliation.

The concepts of decolonization, indigenization, and sustainability are interconnected through their shared goals of addressing historical injustices, respecting Indigenous knowledge, and promoting environmental stewardship.

Traditional Indigenous foods in Canada form an integral part of the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples. Scroll to the end for some Indigenous chefs to follow.