The Culinary Legacy of Pre-Colonial African Grains
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

The Culinary Legacy of Pre-Colonial African Grains

Long before the introduction of maize and other foreign crops to the African continent, sorghum and millet were the backbone of food security for countless communities.

These ancient grains, deeply rooted in the Indigenous food traditions of Africa, have sustained populations for millennia, providing not only nutritional benefits but also cultural significance.

In recent years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in these grains due to their adaptability to harsh climates and their role in promoting food security, particularly in the face of climate change.

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Permaculture Principles in Aboriginal Australian Agriculture
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Permaculture Principles in Aboriginal Australian Agriculture

For thousands of years, Aboriginal Australians have practiced a sophisticated form of land management that closely aligns with modern permaculture principles. Their methods — ranging from firestick farming to the cultivation of native plants—have not only sustained communities but also regenerated the land, maintaining biodiversity in one of the world’s harshest environments. These practices are deeply rooted in Indigenous food traditions, which offer valuable lessons in sustainable living.

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Wild Rice Harvesting
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Wild Rice Harvesting

Wild rice, known as manoomin in Anishinaabe, holds a special place in the hearts and cultures of Indigenous peoples in North America. More than just a staple food, wild rice embodies a rich tradition of sustainable harvesting that has been passed down through generations.

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The History of Orange Shirt Day
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

The History of Orange Shirt Day

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.

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The Importance of the Day of National Truth and Reconciliation
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

The Importance of the Day of National Truth and Reconciliation

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.

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Traditional Indigenous Foods in Canada
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Traditional Indigenous Foods in Canada

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.

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Reviving Ancient Practices:
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Reviving Ancient Practices:

When thinking of sustainable farming, people often turn to modern innovations like hydroponics or organic farming.

Yet, long before industrial agriculture and scientific revolutions, Indigenous communities around the world had developed deeply sustainable farming practices.

These agricultural systems, rooted in respect for the land and its ecosystems, thrived for thousands of years.

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Discovering Edible and Medicinal Plants
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Discovering Edible and Medicinal Plants

Since time immemorial, people have ventured into forests and fields, gathering nature's bounty for nourishment and healing. This article explores the fascinating world of edible and medicinal plants, their historical significance, and how to incorporate them into daily life

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Beyond the Confederacy
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Beyond the Confederacy

Explore the Seventh Generation Principle and its impact on sustainability.

Learn how mindful decisions today shape a better future for the environment, society, and economy for generations to come.

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How to Forage Pine Resin
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

How to Forage Pine Resin

Learn how to forage pine resin sustainably with this beginner's guide. Discover its benefits, practical uses, and tips for responsible harvesting and long-term storage.

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Easiest Things to Grow in a Container Garden
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Easiest Things to Grow in a Container Garden

Discover the easiest plants to grow in a container garden, from herbs to vegetables. Learn tips for small-space gardening and enjoy fresh produce year-round. Perfect for beginners!

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Baking as a Form of Storytelling
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Baking as a Form of Storytelling

Baking is more than a culinary practice; it’s a form of storytelling that reveals cultural history, migration patterns, and personal heritage.

Each loaf of bread, pastry, or baked good carries with it tales of tradition, innovation, and adaptation, reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped our culinary world.

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Food as Identity
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Food as Identity

Food is a profound element of personal and cultural identity. Across the globe, culinary traditions and practices shape how people perceive themselves and their heritage. From the recipes passed down through generations to the communal meals that foster a sense of belonging, food is intricately linked to our sense of identity.

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What is the slow food movement?
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

What is the slow food movement?

The Slow Food Movement began in Italy in the mid-1980s as a direct response to the rapid spread of fast food chains and the cultural homogenization they represented

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Sourdough Symbiosis
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Sourdough Symbiosis

Sourdough bread appears across many food traditions and regions. Methods vary by grain, climate, household practice, and access to fuel. Fermentation relies on ongoing interaction between flour, water, microorganisms, time, and care. These interactions form systems that sustain bread making without fixed inputs or standardized outcomes.

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Baked Brie with Fresh Peppers
Shara Cooper MA, MFA Shara Cooper MA, MFA

Baked Brie with Fresh Peppers

Discover the perfect baked brie recipe with a golden, gooey centre and savoury toppings. Ideal for entertaining or a cozy meal, this easy-to-make dish will impress your guests. Learn how to bake brie to perfection on Recipes and Roots!

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