Last month, Jerald Tso had the opportunity to travel to New York for an exceptional event. Tso had been invited to cook for the editorial team, top executives, and content creators of Condé Nast, one of the leading media companies in the world, located at the prestigious One World Trade Center. This historic event marked the first time a Native American Chef or team was invited to showcase their culinary prowess at the Condé Nast headquarters.
The purpose of this event was not simply to cook, but also to share and celebrate the history and resilience of Indigenous peoples' food pathways. Tso prepared traditional Arizona ancestral foods, bringing an element of Native American culture and cuisine to New York. This significant event aimed to increase knowledge and awareness about Native American culture and the unique gastronomy that stems from centuries of tradition.
More than just a culinary event, the gathering served as a platform for broader conversations around sustainability and how to make the most out of our homelands. Before colonization and mainstream American influences changed their diets, Native American peoples relied heavily on the land, its provisions, and sustainable living. By shining a light on the Indigenous Culinary Movement, Tso reinforced the significance of these values and traditions in today's world.