ABSTRACT: Yonkapin, Nelumbo lutea, is an important part of contemporary ๐ท๐๐ป๐๐ป๐ (Osage) culinary tradition as it still eaten today during ceremonies and other community activities. We have a long, documented history of eating yonkapin and its importance as a food source has been well documented. While it is primarily considered a feast food, its rarity may be due to larger, systemic issues that are related to colonization, including land and habitat loss, confinement to reservations, the introduction of rations and other government food sources, etc. This presentation will provide a brief overview of Osage culinary traditions as it relates to ๐ฒ๐๐ท๐๐ต๐ (American Lotus), its place as an indicator of Osage food sovereignty, and efforts and issues related to making it a more regular food source for Osages and other Native communities.
