Activist Suzan Shown Harjo says her recent Indian Country Today column calling for the elimination of fry bread has received more responses than any other she's written.

But Harjo, the executive director of The Morningstar Institute, says the response has been positive. "People have said they've always hated fry bread and been afraid to say so," she tells The Albuquerque Journal.

Health experts say fry bread is just one of the many unhealthy foods eaten by Indians today. Yolanda Ellis, a Navajo Nation nutritionist, says sodas, fried chips and fast food contribute to exploding rates of diabetes and obesity on the reservation.

Paulene Shebala, the 2003 Miss Indian New Mexico, said lack of exercise also plays a role.

Get the Story:
Activist Raises Heat Over Staple Many Indians Believe Is Symbol of Their People (The Albuquerque Journal 2/6)

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Harjo: Eliminate fry bread and other 'Indian' foods (01/21)