Global Food Collaborative

You know how we love collaborations along the supply chain.   

Well here is one of the latest.    It is timely, too.

In October, the Alaska Federation of Natives met in Anchorage for their annual conference.   One of the keynote

speakers, Elizabeth Hensley (daughter of Willie Hensley) passionately urged everyone in the audience to tell their stories of culture, language and traditions.   It was insightful to watch a father/daughter team present a shared keynote from the perspective of two distinct generations, living through somewhat different histories of Alaska.    They were fully engaged in sharing their stories, as was much of the theme of this year's conference.  

Within a few days, we received an announcement from the people at Kwik Pak Fisheriestraditions as they relate to food.  (Maybe they heard Elizabeth's pleas and acted without hesitation.) (Yukon) that they were partnering with a company that epitomizes

enlightening people on traditions as they relate to food.  (Maybe they heard Elizabeth's pleas and acted without hesitation.)

Celebrating American Products

Internationally recognized Oldways, the consumer advocacy group known for changing the way people eat, is expanding in a new direction by celebrating the old ways of eating and living here in the U.S.  To kick off the new initiative, "Oldways Traditional American Table," the Boston-based non-profit announced a partnership with Kwik'pak Fisheries in Emmonak, a small village in Alaska's Yukon Delta.

For two decades, Oldways has explored the healthful old ways of other countries, notably in the Mediterranean region, Asia and Latin America.  Now the organization says it's time to celebrate the wonderful old ways of America.

"While our traditions here in the U.S. may be younger than others, they have a profound influence on the way we eat and live," said Sara Baer-Sinnott, Executive Vice President, Oldways.  "Our first collaboration is with a truly American product, Wild Alaskan Yukon River Salmon, harvested by the Yup'ik fishing families.  This is a perfect old ways product: nutritious, sustainable, and delicious."

Wild Yukon River salmon packs a powerful nutritional punch.  Yukon Salmon are at least twice as high in Omega-3 fatty acids - and in some cases, even three or four times as high - as any other fish in the USDA database, according to independent research.  One 100-gram (3.5 oz.) serving of Yukon salmon contains up to 5.2 grams of Omega-3s - the equivalent of 10 average-potency fish oil capsules.  For comparison, Alaskan Sockeye has 2.7 grams and canned tuna only .3 grams.  Consuming Omega-3s has been linked to heart health, a strong immune system, healthy brain development, visual acuity and even mental health.

"Salmon from the Yukon are genetically programmed to store oil for their 2,000-mile trip to their up-river spawning grounds," explained Kwik'pak General Manager Jack Schultheis.  "These prized fish are caught at the entrance of the Yukon River while they are still vibrant and full of

nourishing oils and this results in Yukon River Salmon's high Omega-3 content and its extraordinary rich, buttery flavor."

The joint program will build awareness for the health benefits, taste and varieties of Yukon River Salmon as well as tell the story of the Yup'ik Eskimos whose survival depends on these salmon.  Community-owned Kwik'pak Fisheries was founded in 2002 to provide economic security to the local community.  The program will include regional leadership education seminars and dinners, and in-store retail education events. 

Harvested using sustainable methods, fresh Yukon River Salmon is only available for a limited time each year, however, flash frozen fish is available at retailers year-round.

Oldways said examples of other American treasures that may one day fall within the American Oldways program are potatoes, cranberries, blueberries, wild rice, maple syrup, and farmstead cheese.

More information?

Contact Ruth

Kwik'Pak Fisheries

Oldways