The Tulsa Native Youth Board (TNYB) partnered with Chef Nico Williams and Burning Cedar Sovereign Wellness for an engaging and empowering cultural cooking experience focused on physical wellness. With 20 youth in attendance, the event combined traditional food knowledge with modern wellness practices to promote healthy lifestyles through Indigenous cuisine.
Held during TNYB’s monthly meeting, the hands-on cooking class offered participants the opportunity to learn directly from Chef Nico—a celebrated Indigenous chef known for his commitment to food sovereignty and cultural revitalization. Youth members prepared and shared meals using Indigenous ingredients, gaining both practical cooking skills and a deeper understanding of the cultural significance behind traditional foods.
This event wasn’t just about cooking—it was about reclaiming identity, promoting health, and strengthening community through food. By learning how to prepare nourishing meals rooted in Native traditions, TNYB members took a meaningful step toward physical wellness while also honoring their cultural heritage.
The collaboration between TNYB, Chef Nico, and Burning Cedar Sovereign Wellness highlights the power of youth-led wellness initiatives grounded in culture. Through food, the Tulsa Native Youth Board continues to build strong foundations for healthier futures—one dish at a time.