Living in small countryside communities, whether isolated or rural, has always required a certain amount of adaptability and resourcefulness. Recent years has seen many such communities looking back to the past for answers to today's ever-increasing costs, especially in the areas of basic necessities. A present day drive through the countryside during the winter months reveals stacks of wood piled alongside homes and smoke rising from virtually every chimney of the year-round residents. This is not, in most cases, some family enjoying the serenity of a cozy fireplace but an honest effort at offsetting the high energy costs that are associated with heating the home. The old country cookstove, once a thing of the past, is now being manufactured in the modern air tight version which serves not only as an efficient heating source but a major food producing kitchen appliance. This trend in reverting to the past, has not been limited to heating and cooking but has also revealed the need for alternate food sources, especially for low income families.
The Lovesick Lake Native Womens Association recognized the need to offset everyday food costs and make use of available, edible natural plants, wild game and fish. They also recognized the need to document the preparation of such foods from the time proven recipes of parents and grandparents before they become lost to canned goods and chainstore Smiddities. The origin of this cookbook is best described in their own words:
“Our parents lived off the land in this area and most of us were raised on arushat, beaver, venison, rabbit, fish, bear and water fowl with scone 23 wit vrgetables grown from a garden. It was an annual event to pick ise trait and preserve for the winter months. This ability and need sines land is returning as budgets get tighter and tighter. Trappers are being encouraged to return home with the carcass as well as the pelt. Hunting is more of a necessity than a sport and last summer saw more and kids with berry baskets heading for the bush. Without these available natural foods there would have been many a sparce looking meal placed on the dinner table this past winter. It is this realization of our it has encouraged us to prepare this cookbook which we hope will encourage others to make use of the natural resources in their area.”
It was not a simple task to research and document the resourcefullness parents and grandparents at daily food gathering and preparation. After over a year of collecting more than 2000 "living off the land' recipes from numerous native and rural communities this first introductory edition has been completed. During the course of this gathering, several television appearances and newspaper articles revealed that interest was being generated for the cookbook from people in all walks of life, although the book was being designed with low income native and rural people in mind. During a conversation with Duke Redbird, Canadian poet, writer and actor, the question was asked, "Who do you think will use and benefit from our Heritage Cookbook?" The reply was, "Without a doubt, anyone who eats".
So, to everyone, we hope this first edition brings the enjoyment, pleasure and satisfaction we have had in preparing it.
LOVESICK LAKE NATIVE WOMENS ASSOCIATION