Trailblazing indigenous chef coming to Ganondagan
Acclaimed chef, author, educator and activist Sean Sherman will be the keynote speaker at an evening out at the Ganondagan State Historic Site in Victor on May 29.
Sherman recently appeared on the May 15 episode of “Top Chef,” which highlighted Indigenous foods.
A member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe, Sherman has dedicated his career to supporting and promoting Indigenous food systems and Native food sovereignty. Owamni, his downtown Minneapolis restaurant, serves delicious, healthful food that supports Indigenous producers and removes colonial ingredients like wheat flour, cane sugar and dairy. Earlier this year it was included in the 2024 USA TODAY Restaurants of the Year list.
Sherman also wrote the cookbook “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen.” He is a two-time James Beard Award winner and appeared on Time magazine’s Top 100 Influential People of 2023 list.
The event at Ganondagan will begin with optional tours of its longhouse. A reception from 5:30 to 6:30 will feature appetizers, inspired by Sherman’s recipes and made by a local catering company.
Beginning at 6:30, a 90-minute program will include a traditional Seneca opening address, followed by an introduction to Ganondagan’s White Corn Project. Sherman will then speak about modern Indigenous food culture, followed by a Q&A. He will sign copies of his cookbook at the end.
Seating at the event is limited. To purchase tickets visit racf.org. A portion of each ticket and book ordered will be directed to the Community Foundation fund to support and sustain Indigenous communities in our region.
The Seneca Art & Culture Center at the Ganondagan State Historic Site is at 7000 County Road 41 (Boughton Hill Road) in Victor.