Shaping Narratives

In this episode, George learns from MeXo’s Chef Oscar Moreno about Mexico’s indigenous traditions in contemporary cuisine. Then George introduces us to Haitian restaurant, Chez Olga, explaining a dish that symbolizes liberation. George tracks the history of two ingredients, the huazontle and the plantain, using them to cook dishes with complex histories.

Lin Thomas, a Native woman from Grand Rapids, is searching for a way to reclaim the relationships and traditions of her ancestors as her modern life presents contemporary dilemmas. Lin is reclaiming food from the seeds she grows, to the way she skins a bison. Her journey takes us to the Native Food Summit where she talks to experts on Native Food Sovereignty, to her tribe’s farm, and a powwow.

Join WGVU in England as Rishi Singh, a devout Sikh businessman leads Lin Thomas, a Native American woman from West Michigan on an immersive experience at a Gurdwara in London. Discover parallel histories and struggles, common values and dreams as well as distinct customs in a unique experience, on Meeting God.

Alice Lyn, a biracial woman raised in Brooklyn, re-frames the outdoors and Michigan places you think you know, as she leads urban people of color to the outdoors.

Go behind the scenes of the five Shaping Narratives pilots! Hosted by Mariano Avila and Sherisse Szymczak.