Bonus points if you can guess the price at this James Beard Award-winning restaurant in Minneapolis!

Answer:

1. Bison Ribeye ($68)
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes ($15)
3. Stuffed Poblano ($32)

       

Chef Sean Sherman. Photo: Owamni.

Questions:

• How might Owamni's focus on Indigenous cuisine influence its initial start-up costs and financial planning? Consider things like sourcing specialty ingredients and hiring staff with specific culinary skills.
• How can a business like Owamni financially empower the local Indigenous community? Consider potential job creation, support for local Indigenous suppliers, and fostering cultural awareness.
• Discuss the broader economic contributions that an Indigenous-owned business like Owamni can make to the city of Minneapolis, like how it encourages money circulation within the community.

Here are the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

Behind the numbers (Owamni):

"Experience the true flavors of North America, featuring foods of Mni Sota Makoce, Land Where the Waters Reflect the Clouds.

We prioritize purchasing from Indigenous food producers locally and nationally. We have removed colonial ingredients such as wheat flour, cane sugar and dairy. We are proud to present a decolonized dining experience."

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For more information on Indigenous food sovereignty, check out North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems (NATIFS).

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Are you curious about what it takes to start a business? Check out NGPF's Entrepreneurship mini-unit.

About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.