Intersections Speakers: The Gift of Hunger and Turkey in Diné Foodways

About this event

Intersections brings together voices from a range of backgrounds to share knowledge, experiences and research across topics such as history, culture and identity. Each event offers an opportunity to learn, reflect and engage with ideas that shape our understanding of the world around us.

Designed to be welcoming and accessible, these free programs create space for thoughtful conversation and shared learning within the community.

Stories of Diné food traditions, both before and after first contact, reveal deep connections between sustenance, survival, and spirit. These include the story of the Nayee' (monster) hunger and how Turkey saved the precious agricultural seeds. Today, emerging Diné foodways seek to revive these enduring traditions—resurging what has faded, while striving to elevate and innovate within the global culinary landscape. Through storytelling and food, join Mario on this journey of Diné food traditions.

Note: This presentation will include soup for the audience to enjoy as part of the experience.

Speaker Information

Chef Renetto-Mario Etsitty was born on the Navajo Reservation and grew up under the tutelage of his Grandparents. Cooking in his Grandmother's chuckwagon, and learning ancestral practices from his Grandfather, who taught young Mario the techniques to preserve his traditional (Diné) foodways. For Chef Mario, food always reconnects back to understanding and respecting sacred traditions. His pumpkin tamales showcase two sacred plants, squash and corn. Which make up the 4 sacred plants, Corn, Beans, Squash, and Tabacco. When Chef Mario cooks, his culinary and storytelling abilities allow him to preserve and honor his Diné heritage. Etsitty is the owner of “The REZ”, an Urban Eatery that caters and provides pop up frybread stands that explore traditional and plant base foods based on the goal of sustainable food practices.

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Partner Information

This program is made possible by Arizona Humanities. This project is in support of the America 250th initiative to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

From Surprise Arts