The owners hope it will inspire people to make their own indigenous dishes.
Wheat Ridge, Colo. — A new Native American Kitchen is opening in Wheat Ridge to share indigenous foods with the community, whether they're food you grew up with or food you're trying for the first time.
This major opening also included the sale of indigenous plants. Restaurant owners hope shoppers will be inspired to create their own indigenous dishes using their own produce.
Narissa Ribera, owner of Naatsilid Kitchen, is excited to serve the community. The business officially opened inside the Wheat She Ridge Music and Arts Center on West 38th Street, just east of Wadsworth Boulevard.
“The purpose of this is to get people to eat and sample indigenous food,” Rivera said. “It's traditional food, but that doesn't mean they can get it.”
She said much of the ingredients are sourced from Indigenous farmers. Rivera also plants indigenous seeds at his home, including some that are currently for sale.
But it's not just about growing plants; it's about growing them.
“I think it's important to reintroduce the land where you live and learn about its stories and plants,” said shopper Lake Marquez. “Try to get more involved in it.”
Shoppers can choose from ancient watermelon to Navajo wild spinach and everything in between.
“The people who are here and support us mean something to our community,” Jacob Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez, with the help of vendors, also participated by dressing up and celebrating new friendships with shoppers.
“Marie Yellowhawk, she helped me create my work,” Gonzalez said.
“He’s great,” Yellowhawk said.
Marie learned beadwork by watching others. Now she helps educate the next generation.
“I try to work with him so that he understands the ideas instead of just doing it and giving it to him,” Yellowhawk said.
“We can help a lot of people in the kitchen. That's our plan,” Rivera said. “So we don't just want to run a business. It's also kind of a community effort. What does the community need? How can the community use this kitchen?”
Click here to find out Naatsilid Kitchen's opening days and hours, or what other pop-up events are happening.
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