Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is NATIFS and the Indigenous Food Lab?
A: North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS), a nonprofit organization founded by Chef Sean Sherman of The Sioux Chef, is dedicated to addressing the economic and health crises affecting Native communities by re-establishing Native foodways. We imagine a new North American food system that generates wealth and improves health in Native communities through food-related enterprises.
Indigenous Food Lab is an education and training center that serves as the heart of NATIFS’ work. We are establishing a new Indigenous food system that reintegrates Native foods and Indigenous-focused education into tribal communities across North America. We work to develop and support Indigenous kitchens and food enterprises in tribal communities, bringing cultural, nutritional, and economic revitalization across North America!
Q: Is the Indigenous Food Lab a sit-down restaurant?
A: The Indigenous Food Lab is a training center covering all aspects of Indigenous food service: research and development, Indigenous food identification, gathering, cultivation, preparation, and all components of starting and running a successful culinary business. Packaged foods are available in our online store, and prepared food is available at our sit-down restaurant, Owamni, and sometime next year at our Indigenous BBQ restaurant, Shota.
Q: Can I order food at the Indigenous Food Lab?
A: No. We are moving to our new location at 2601 Franklin Avenue, as we prepare to open Wóyute Thipí (“Food Building”), our new central Indigenous Food Sovereignty hub along the American Indian Cultural Corridor in Minneapolis. NATIFS Wóyute Thipi will house a new counter-service restaurant, ŠHOTÁ Indigenous BBQ by Owamni, and The Indigenous Food Lab Market retail space will also soon live here. For now, online shopping is available!
Q: Where is the Indigenous Food Lab located?
A: The Indigenous Food Lab is located in the Midtown Global Market on historic Lake Street in the heart of Minneapolis, 920 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407.
Q: How does Indigenous Food Lab help the local community?
A: With skills and support from the Indigenous Food Lab, trainees can open satellite food businesses in their tribal communities. By providing education and training that gives Native people access to healthy, local, Indigenous food, we can not only address serious issues of malnutrition, food-related illness, and economic impoverishment on tribal lands — we can also use our shared heritage to build bridges and build power within and between Native communities and our allies.
Q: How can I get involved with the Indigenous Food Lab?
A: Building a strong community is at the core of what we do. If you want to get involved, you can follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletter. We will share volunteer and other opportunities through those channels.
Q: Where can I access the ingredients used in The Sioux Chef cookbook, which is showcased at the Indigenous Food Lab?
A: Orders can be placed online at our Shop.