Native Roots

The Four Winds Model for Healthy Eating

The East Wind represents the dawn, and opportunity to learn, of a new day. Traditionally, spring was a time of new plant growth and the beginning of the gathering season. Today this East Wind is represented by the fruit and vegetable plant products. It also represents the importance of learning the new information about preventing chronic disease and disease complications.

The South Wind is represented by the warm summer wind and the energy received from plants that require the long growing season. Corn, beans, potato and squash, were grown by some tribes along the river and traded with the migratory tribes for wild game. The Europeans introduced new grains: wheat, rye, oats, barley and rice. All grains and starchy vegetables are represented in the South Wind.

Today, these four food groups; water, animal products, fruits and vegetables and starchy plants are equally important to create a balanced meal. Wicozani is Lakota for balance or wellness of being. When served as a plate of food, no one group should dominate the meal.