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

Answer:

1. Bison Ribeye ($85)
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes ($15)
3. Yuca Fries ($12)

       

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

Dave Martin

Dave joins NGPF with 15 years of teaching experience in math and computer science. After joining the New York City Teaching Fellows program and earning a Master's degree in Education from Pace University, his teaching career has taken him to New York, New Jersey and a summer in the north of Ghana. Dave firmly believes that financial literacy is vital to creating well-rounded students that are prepared for a complex and highly competitive world. During what free time two young daughters will allow, Dave enjoys video games, Dungeons & Dragons, cooking, gardening, and taking naps.