MARQUETTE, Mich.—An Indigenous Foods Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, March 16, at Northern Michigan University’s Jacobetti Complex. Teams will prepare an entrée, side dish and dessert from a mystery basket of Indigenous food ingredients. The meals will be served at a dinner that evening. The event is hosted by the NMU Center for Native American Studies and the hospitality management program.

Participants in the Decolonizing Diet Project—a year-long study of the relationship between humans and foods of the Great Lakes Region—will team up with staff, students and community members for the competition. Food preparation will begin at 1 p.m. in the Jacobetti Complex kitchen. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. in Chez Nous restaurant.

Guest judges include chefs Mark Bzdok and Chris Kibit, along with retired NMU professor Mohey Mowafy. The judging criteria will include points for taste, presentation and creativity. Prizes will be awarded in two categories: audience choice and judges’ choice.

Limited audience seating is available for dinner on a first come, first serve basis by calling 906-227-1397. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance at the Center for Native American Studies in Whitman Hall. Audience members should arrive by 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Martin Reinhardt at mreinhar@nmu.edu or call (906) 227-1397.