A Drum in One Hand, a Sockeye in the Other: Stories of Indigenous Food Sovereignty from the Northwest Coast

The Somass River brings sockeye salmon to the Nuu-chah-nulth community of Tseshaht, which is central to their sacred food practices. Charlotte Coté's book A Drum in One Hand, a Sockeye in the Other shares contemporary Nuu-chah-nulth practices of traditional food revitalization to nurture health and wellness. It highlights healing and cultural sustenance via everyday enactments of food sovereignty.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 25 March 2022
Publisher: University of Washington Press

In the heart of the dense rainforest on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Somass River (c̓uumaʕas) flows, carrying the precious sockeye salmon (miʕaat) into the Nuu-chah-nulth community of Tseshaht. These two elements hold immense significance in the sacred food practices that have been integral to the Indigenous community's unwavering pursuit of food sovereignty, decolonization of their diet, and preservation of their ancestral knowledge.

In her captivating book, A Drum in One Hand, a Sockeye in the Other, Charlotte Coté delves into the contemporary practices of traditional food revitalization within the broader context of re-Indigenizing contemporary diets on the Northwest Coast. Coté weaves poignant stories of her Tseshaht community and her own dedicated efforts to revitalize relationships with haʔum (traditional food), emphasizing its role in nurturing health and well-being.

Amidst the ongoing challenges of food insecurity faced by Indigenous peoples as a result of systemic inequality, environmental degradation, and the Westernization of traditional diets, Coté highlights the healing and cultural sustenance that can be found through everyday enactments of food sovereignty. From the joy of berry picking to the thrill of salmon fishing and the transformative power of building a community garden on reclaimed residential school grounds, Coté showcases how food becomes a catalyst for personal and collective transformation.

This book is a testament to the profound role that food plays in our physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness. It resonates with individuals and communities alike who are passionate about reclaiming the wisdom of our ancestors, embracing sustainable practices, and nurturing a deeper connection to the land and our food sources. By exploring the rich tapestry of traditional food practices and the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples, A Drum in One Hand, a Sockeye in the Other offers a valuable perspective on the importance of food sovereignty and the transformative power of reconnecting with our roots.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295749518