Sean Sherman's Turtle Island Reclaims Indigenous Foodways in Bold New Cookbook

Acclaimed Oglala Lakota Sioux chef Sean Sherman has released a new cookbook, Turtle Island. Co-created with Kate Nelson, the book explores Indigenous food traditions across North America. It challenges common misconceptions about Native peoples and their diverse cultures. Sean Sherman is well-known for his work as a chef, activist, and founder of the James Beard Award-winning restaurant Owamni. Kate Nelson, Editor-at-Large of our website, has long connected with her cultural identity through food, especially salmon fishing. The two have supported each other’s work for years.

Turtle Island features over 150 recipes, offering readers a gateway into Native foodways. One standout dish is Tlayuda con Frijoles, Huitlacoche y Escamoles, a flavourful combination of black beans, huitlacoche, and insect caviar. The book also highlights natural environments and the rich histories of Indigenous communities.

Nelson hopes readers will recognise the value of ancestral wisdom in Native cultures. She sees it as essential for both personal well-being and the health of the planet. The cookbook aims to educate and inspire. It presents Native peoples as vibrant and diverse, not confined to outdated stereotypes. Through its recipes and stories, Turtle Island invites a deeper understanding of Indigenous traditions.