Sewa Yuli, Ancestral Foodways Artist, 2024 | Vail, AZ

Sewa is an ancestral foods cook and advocate who uses culinary medicine to promote healing, connection to tradition and health. Her apprentice is Paloma Martinez.

Sewa (they/them) is a dedicated community member who brings a wealth of knowledge and cultural pride to the region. As a community cook, Traditional Birthkeeper, and advocate for food justice, Sewa has profoundly impacted those around them, bridging generations and traditions. Their work fosters health autonomy and a deep connection to cultural heritage through culinary medicine and ancestral diet.

Sewa’s approach to food is more than nourishment; it’s a form of healing and love. They describe foods like atole as an embrace from an abuelita—nourishment that touches both body and soul. This philosophy is at the heart of their practice, where each dish is seen as a living testament to cultural resilience and tradition. The kitchen for Sewa is not just a place of food preparation but a sacred space for storytelling and prayer, where each dish serves as an offering to ancestors and the land.

As a mentor, Sewa is committed to sharing knowledge and ensuring that traditional Mexican postpartum care and curanderismo are passed down to future generations. Their dedication extends beyond the kitchen, encompassing a broader mission of cultural preservation and community empowerment. Through Mi Xantico, Sewa has created a platform that celebrates indigenous food sovereignty and highlights the stories of Indigenous farmers, seed keepers, and midwives. This project bridges gaps and fosters understanding, emphasizing the resilience and richness of these communities.

Sewa’s work is a beautiful blend of tradition, healing, and community. They view food as an act of resistance and an opportunity to reclaim cultural pride and health autonomy. Sewa’s teachings are about preserving and sharing ancestral food practices as a vital part of cultural heritage. They see mentorship as an essential aspect of their mission, ensuring that these traditions are carried forward and sustained through future generations. This grant represents an opportunity to continue their work, fostering a supportive environment where Indigenous traditions can thrive and evolve.