Dii ÌINA-Culinary (Shiprock, NM - Navajo Reservation)

Dii ÌINA means “this life” in Diné. The culinary concept of Danielle Goldtooth (Dinè Mother, Mixologist, Farmer, Rancher, Forager, and co-owner of Steam Corn Punk) and her husband Chef Alan Moore imbues the holistic worldview of personal well-being, sustenance, community, and a reciprocal relationship with the land. Their work defies the boundaries of an ordinary business venture. Instead, it weaves together a tapestry of food system collaborations, private dinners and pop-ups, traditional farming and foraging, education, and mentorship. Global food cultures and traditions are blended in what the couple refers to as transcontinental food synthesis - a concept that imagines what might have been if colonization had centered on cultural exchange rather than conquest.

Danielle and Alan act as stewards of the Earth, whether foraging for wild ingredients or caring for the land. Their foraging trips are as much about caretaking as they are about gathering. They clean up trash, observe the health of the land, and even report invasive species to aid in the survival of native varieties. Their work involves partnerships with local farmers, ranchers, and producers. The couple emphasizes the importance of knowing where their ingredients come from, often sourcing directly from those who grow or raise them. “We don’t like putting food on a plate if we haven’t met the person who grew it,” Alan says.