Chef Sean Sherman: The Sioux Chef
Indigenous chef and food sovereignty advocate Sean Sherman revitalizes pre-colonial Native food systems, advancing health, cultural resilience, and sustainable Indigenous agriculture through ancestral culinary knowledge.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Pioneer of pre-colonial Indigenous cuisine using exclusively North American native ingredients
- Leader in Indigenous food sovereignty, nutrition, and cultural restoration
- Integrates ancestral culinary knowledge with modern techniques
- Advocate for sustainable, land-based, and culturally appropriate food systems
- Formats: Indigenous chef, food systems advocate, educator, and activist
- Audiences: Event organizers, cultural institutions, educators, health leaders, sustainability advocates, and organizations focused on Indigenous rights and food justice
- Outcomes:
- Deeper understanding of Indigenous food systems and their modern relevance
- Insight into food sovereignty as a tool for health, culture, and economic resilience
- Practical inspiration for building sustainable, land-based food practices
- Travels from: Minneapolis, MN
- **Fee range: On Request
Talent Services
Talent Short Bio
Chef Sean Sherman is an Indigenous chef, educator, and food systems advocate dedicated to restoring and advancing Native food sovereignty. His work centers on pre-colonial Indigenous food systems, using only ingredients native to North America and rejecting commodities introduced through colonization. Grounded in ancestral knowledge, his cuisine reflects deep respect for land, seasonality, and ecological balance.
Sherman’s menus feature traditional ingredients such as bison, wild game, freshwater fish, hand-harvested wild rice, foraged plants, cedar, sumac, and heirloom Indigenous grains. By combining traditional techniques with contemporary culinary innovation, he creates food that is nutritious, flavorful, and culturally rooted.
Beyond the kitchen, Sherman is a leading voice addressing the systemic roots of health disparities, environmental exploitation, and economic inequity impacting Indigenous communities. His advocacy focuses on rebuilding Indigenous foodways as a pathway to improved health outcomes, cultural preservation, and economic self-determination. Through education, activism, and food system development, he challenges colonial structures and supports Indigenous communities in reclaiming control over their food, history, and future.
Read Full Bio
Chef Sean Sherman has dedicated his career to supporting and promoting Indigenous food systems and Native food sovereignty.
Sean’s cooking style is based on pre-colonial Indigenous food systems, using only ingredients that are native to North America. His menus are inspired by the seasons and the land, featuring traditional ingredients like bison, hand-harvested wild rice, cedar, and sumac. He draws on the knowledge and culinary techniques of his ancestors to develop innovative, nutritious, and flavorful dishes that incorporate wild game, fish, foraged plants, and heirloom grains.
Through his activism and advocacy, Sean is helping to reclaim and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Indigenous communities around the world.
“Our ancestors understood how to live in balance with the natural world. Indigenous foods are the original foods of this continent. It’s important we recognize that and start celebrating those foods.”
He aims to tackle the root causes of deep,persistent problems – not just apply Band-Aid’s to the symptoms of health disparities and economic and environmental exploitation.
By reconnecting Native Americans with traditional foodways to improve health, promoting economic development, establishing food sovereignty, and preserving tribal history and culture across artificial colonial boundaries, and through development of a new food system based around cultivation and incorporation of healthy, wild, culturally appropriate, traditional ingredients and agriculture.
Chef Sean Sherman is empowering Native people to use the power of their history and culture to counter the multigenerational impacts of colonialism and dispossession, and to combat systemic cultural genocide.
The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen
Here is real food—our indigenous American fruits and vegetables, the wild and foraged ingredients, game and fish. Locally sourced, seasonal, “clean” ingredients and nose-to-tail cooking are nothing new to Sean Sherman, the Oglala Lakota chef and founder of The Sioux Chef.
In Chef Sean Sherman breakout book, The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen, Sherman shares his approach to creating boldly seasoned foods that are vibrant, healthful, at once elegant and easy.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (9)
The Swing Cats Big Band with the Swing Kittens is Southern California’s freshest and most dynamic swing band around. Composed of top musicians dedicated to the performance and preservation of big band music, The Swing Cats will take you back to the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s with their high-quality, authentic sound. Come cut a rug […]
- Travels from: San Diego, CA
- Musicians
- (7)
Julie Smolyansky is the dynamic President and CEO of Lifeway Foods, a pioneering company in the production of kefir and probiotic-rich foods. At just 27 years old, she became the youngest female CEO of a publicly traded company, transforming Lifeway into a leader in the health and wellness industry. With her vision and leadership, the […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Entrepreneurship
- (3)
DJ ShanLynn is a versatile and dynamic Los Angeles-based DJ, VJ, composer, producer, dancer, and choreographer whose talent and creativity have captivated audiences far and wide. Originally hailing from Austin, Texas, ShanLynn brings a unique and eclectic style to every performance, blending her diverse artistic background with her deep love of music. As a mobile […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Mobile DJ
- (13)
- (2)
Aniyia Williams is an entrepreneur, thought leader, and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is a systempreneur, creator, inventor, tech changemaker, and investor. She is a principal on the Responsible Technology team at Omidyar Network, and works to help the tech world live up to its promise of changing lives for […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Digital Speakers
- (19)
Marc Randolph is a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur, advisor, and investor. As co-founder and first CEO of Netflix, he laid much of the groundwork for a service that’s grown to over 200 million subscribers, and fundamentally altered how the world experiences media. He also served on the Netflix board of directors until retiring from the company […]
- Travels from: Santa Cruz, CA
- Innovation Speakers
- (9)
Kim Becking is a distinguished leadership speaker, consultant, and author renowned for her transformative approach to leadership and organizational culture. With a career spanning over two decades, Kim has become a sought-after figure in the speaking circuit, admired for her engaging style and profound insights. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and her commitment […]
- Travels from: Columbia, MO
- Change Speakers
- (24)
Chris Folayan is a renowned and award-winning serial entrepreneur, author and founder, celebrated for his exceptional ability to start and scale multi-million-dollar global companies. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Chris has demonstrated an extraordinary talent for investing, raising substantial capital, and building thriving businesses from the ground up. His entrepreneurial journey began at the […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Business Speakers
- (50)
Jean Marie DiGiovanna is an international keynote speaker, leadership development expert, certified executive coach and best-selling author. With her body of work on Renaissance Leadership and over 25 years of experience across the globe, she helps leaders and their teams shift the way they think, lead and communicate rapidly creating a culture of increased trust, […]
- Travels from: Denver, CO
- Leadership Speakers
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
