Projects - Native Americans
Native American Smokehouse: Public Health considerations
Fire and smoke carry spiritual significance for the Swinomish Tribal Community. When a new code-compliant ceremonial smokehouse proved too smoky, the tribe turned to the Field Research and Consultation Group for a solution. The challenge was to find a culturally sensitive way to reduce carbon monoxide and particulates in a longhouse with two open fires, where lengthy ceremonies were held and large groups of participants including tribal elders were exposed. Researchers designed and tested an underground, nonmechanical ventilation system that works with the natural draft of heated air and is unobtrusive.
Flanagan ME, Zaferatos NC. Appropriate technologies in the traditional native American smokehouse: Public health considerations in tribal community development. American Indian Culture and Research Journal Fall 2000 v24 i4 p69(2)
