Traditional Diets Before colonization and relocation of the Sioux Tribes, Lakota people ate a mainly high protein diet. Their main source of protein came from the buffalo, bison meat is one of the lowest calorie and highest protein meat one can find. With only 146 calories per 3.5 ounce (100g) serving and over 20 grams of protein, it's no wonder the Lakota people were in such great health. The Lakota Tribes migrated, in a circle, from North Dakota to South Dakota and Nebraska, following the buffalo. While migrating, the Lakota collected different fruits and vegetables, two of the main items were tinpsila (prairie turnips) and, chokecherries. Tinpsila was used for making stews, while chokecherries are good fresh, they were mainly smashed and mixed with buffalo meat to make wasna (dehydrated pattie). These were among the rations used during winter months and when the hunts were low. Buffalo was also dried and stored for these scarce times. Following the Ft Laramie Treaty of 1868, the Lakota people were given rations from the government including; flour, lard, canned meats among many other non-perishable items. Native Americans were aliens to this highly processed food and, their health took a toll with these newly introduced rations. Diabetes in Indian Country Statistics:
Native Americans have a greater chance of developing diabetes than every other ethnic group
Two out of three Native Americans with kidney failure have diabetes
Risk Factors for Diabetes:
43.7% of Native Americans over the age of 18 are obese
15.9% of Native American High Schoolers are obese
Native American Men are 20% more likely to be cigarette smokers (than white males)
Native Americans are 30% more likely to have high blood pressure (than white adults)
Although no research exists on the pre-colonization Native American and, their health issues, or predispositions. It is known, by their diet, they were extremely healthy and lean people. Attempting to get the diabetes epidemic has taken many years and investigation, the Federal Government put into play Diabetes Prevention Programs, ran out of local IHS (Indian Health Services) hospitals and clinics.
Author Bio: Nikkole Bostnar is a Business Major in her Senior year at Oglala Lakota College. She is an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Nikkole is a single mother of two boys, Anthony who is 13 years old and Isaiah, age 11. She has developed a passion for fitness and a devotion to helping her community by education. Nikkole is the current elected Vice President of He Sapa American Indian Business Leaders Chapter, who has a strong presence in the Rapid City community, as well as the Native American Community. Follow Nikkole on Instagram @nikkole_b and like our Facebook Page @OLCHeSapaAIBL