Indigenous Representations and Perceptions in Cookbooks: A Case Study of Wilson Library's North Carolina Collection

This thesis is an examination of the representation and perceptions of Indigenous peoples in cookbooks, using Wilson Library’s North Carolina Collection as a case study, tracing how these portrayals have evolved over time. Using a mixed-methods content analysis approach, this study identifies recurring themes in Indigenous food and folk medicine representation, exploring how historical misinformation, cultural appropriation, and shifts in culinary narratives have influenced public perceptions of Indigenous cuisine and culture. By focusing on cookbooks as cultural artifacts, this research highlights how these texts document and transmit Indigenous culinary and cultural knowledge, while also reflecting broader socio-political trends in North Carolina’s historical and contemporary context. This analysis aims to provide insights into the preservation of Indigenous culinary heritage, especially in local contexts, the challenges posed by cultural appropriation, and the significance of food sovereignty in Indigenous communities.