ENGAGING THE SENSES: The Culinary Crusade of Anthony Warrior
At the historical John Neihardt State Historic Site in Bancroft, a remarkable event recently unfolded. Anthony Warrior, a member of Absentee Shawnee tribes with a passion for promoting healthy foods, showcased his unique culinary creations at this special affair. Through Warrior’s Palate, his innovative catering business, he has been wowing crowds with his “Native-inspired” dishes at various events.
Having grown up in Oklahoma, Warrior’s culinary journey began amidst the sights, sounds, and aromas of his mother’s cooking in bustling cafes. It was there, and later during the tribal feasts he helped prepare for special gatherings, that he developed a deep appreciation for the art of food. Although his childhood dream was to become a doctor, his culinary experiences across states and at Indian casinos ignited a passion for the culinary arts that he could not ignore. It was while working with different tribes across the country that Warrior noticed a disconnect between the food being served and the traditional dishes of Native American culture.
Fueled by a desire to discover the culinary heritage of these tribes, as well as his involvement in working with Native groups to preserve heritage corn seeds, Warrior now finds himself catering multiple meals a week and delivering engaging presentations at schools in Nebraska and western Iowa. He emphasizes the importance of healthy eating, advocating against the adverse effects of excessive sugar and processed foods on our well-being.
To maintain the authenticity of his Native American ‘inspired’ cuisine, Warrior meticulously sources ingredients from a network of growers and foragers. These include corn grown by the Omaha and Kickapoo tribes, bison procured from a local grower near Niobrara, and wild rice harvested from the lakes of Canada and Minnesota.
Warrior’s personal transformation from a weight of over 500 pounds and a diabetic diagnosis to a healthier lifestyle through clean eating and intermittent fasting is inspiring. His experiences have motivated him to teach at a “Cultural Connections” youth camp at the Neihardt Center for Native American students, where he hopes to instill a passion for better eating habits in young minds.
While one might assume that Warrior’s catering clientele would primarily comprise of Native Americans, it is surprisingly not the case. In fact, he has faced challenges in introducing his cuisine to native communities, with some expressing reluctance due to years of culinary familiarity. Nonetheless, his innovative approach to traditional recipes has captured the admiration of non-Native customers, turning them into fervent supporters of his delectable, nutritious creations. Warrior’s commitment to promoting healthy eating and cultural appreciation through his inventive culinary endeavours has earned him widespread acclaim, showcasing the transformative power of food.
