September 15, 2015

Valerie Segrest on Native Nutrition

The Indigenous Wellness Research Institute’s Research, Training, and Education Core was pleased to host Valerie Segrest, guest presenter for IWRI’s Speaker Series, at the University of Washington-Seattle campus on May 6, 2015. Valerie (Muckleshoot) is a Native nutrition educator, and she specializes in local and traditional foods. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University and a Master’s degree in Environment and Community from Antioch University.
Her lecture, entitled “Revitalizing food systems: Past, present and future,” focused on the “food revolution” in Indian Country. As Valerie noted, “as we move towards rebuilding a food system that will feed the future, its success or demise absolutely depends on how well we honor the story of our landscape.” Valerie discussed the importance of place to tribal communities and local efforts to rebuild traditional food systems, including land management techniques. She asserted that the revitalization of ancient food systems in tribal communities contributes to health and wellness.
Valerie’s presentation was attended by members of the campus community, including students, staff, and faculty.

For more information about the IWRI Speaker Series, please contact Anastasia Ramey at stasiar@uw.edu or 206-685-0164.