Richard Wellness & Author Fund

Richard LaFortune: Native American activist, lecturer author and chef.

After undertaking two major life changing events, I am seeking funding to complete my first cook book. I have spent the better part of this past year on both personal wellness (completing an important relapse addiction recovery program) and working on a lifelong dream of creating a Wild Rice Cookbook.

I have approached this project as both a Native food professional and a cultural historian. Creating and testing each recipe as I went along, using whatever modest resources I have been able to find. I have documented the process on my fbook page and tweaked recipes using feedback from friends along the way.

Unfortunately I have hit a number of life changing speed bumps along the way including having my car stolen with damage not covered by insurance and the breakdown of both of my computers. This along with the high costs of recovery have caused my project to come to a grinding halt. I am so close to completing this book with a little extra help this historical book can come into being.

Modesty in my accomplishments and not generally asking for help are additional stumbling blocks I have faced but this cookbook needs to be published and I have many generous and supportive friends that are continuing to support my success but as my culture dictates it takes a village.

You can be an important part of this exciting project as I continue the book into it’s completion. I will repay everyone’s kindness and generosity by finishing this legacy of Wild Rice recipes bringing a traditional Native food into the mainstream consciousness.