"MERCILESS INDIAN SAVAGES"---DECLARATION OF INDEPENDANCE

 

It doesn’t matter what you think about me or the opinions you have of me. I live by the understanding that we all have a right to speak our truth. This country was built on freedom of speech.

But we’re now facing a crisis of consequence, where accountability no longer exists. I’m not someone who hides issues or stays silent. I plan with intention, creating spaces that reflect on the harm done to me and my people. I stand with those living through deep trauma, especially Native youth who are growing up surrounded by distrust and fear.

This is not a healthy country, nor has it ever truly been. Policies have become so severe that millions of children now suffer under the arrogance of our government. They will carry this pain into the next generation.

We’re enduring so much stress that we can no longer stand united in the belief that we are equal. This administration has fueled division like never before. Greed and power now drive the energy of this country, consuming our ability to stay sober and grounded under these conditions.

The bones of our democracy are being catapulted in the name of making America “great” again. The billionaires have spoken, and they are willing to destroy in the name of “We the People.”

This country was built on the strength of 500 nations that once saved immigrants from Europe. There were no kings. There were no dictators. Until now.

Reflections of humorous, serious, relatable, land and sky stories of everyday life. All told through plastic (cowboy & Indian, animal, environmental elements) figurines.

©Ramon Shiloh/2025

A Tribute to Chef Morgan Batali

 

I’m not in a good place this evening. I’m utterly gutted over the news of a good friend, someone I met earlier this year, whom I knew deep down could have become one of my greatest companions on this food journey.

Chef Morgan Batali was a rare kind of talent, a chef who understood the art of pairing flavors with soul. His sophistication in the kitchen came from more than skill; it came from a deep understanding of energy, intention, and the way good food connects people. That’s what drew so many into his orbit, the patrons, the community, and all who crossed paths with him at Vinbero in Edmonds.

Over the summer, I had the opportunity to showcase my food at Vinbero, a beautiful wine bar nestled in Old Town Edmonds, right along the waterways where the ferries come and go. I hosted two pop up culinary experiences there: July 25 to 26 and September 12 to 13, centered on Native Foods. Morgan was instrumental in the success of both events. He and his team brought my narratives and flavors to life, helping me tell the story of truth and history on a plate.

What struck me most about Morgan was his determination to amplify my message, to create a space where storytelling and flavor met in harmony. He wanted the conversations about food, culture, and history to feel welcoming, honest, and alive.

To have a successful pop up, you must connect deeply with the staff, understand their rhythms, their personalities, their trust. It is not always easy bringing a new culinary perspective into an existing space. But Morgan made it seamless. He was both a perfectionist and a creative genius, embracing every flavor and idea that resonated with his community.

During those events, I had the honor of sitting with Morgan for hours, talking about where our food origins began and where the future of food might go. His expertise, even in his short life, was extraordinary. His knowledge of cuisines, regional ingredients, local vendors, and the rituals behind each dish was vast, but what set him apart was his kindness.

In a world where many kitchens lack empathy, Morgan led with it. He taught his staff not just how to cook, but how to care for the food, for the patrons, and for each other. He carried no ego, only a quiet confidence that inspired everyone around him.

Tonight I feel angry. Angry that the conversations we shared have been cut short. His wisdom and spirit will stay with me always. But I wish I had picked up the phone more often, just to say thank you for the lively discussions we had over food.

To the Batali family, the Edmonds community, and the entire Vinbero team, my deepest condolences. This loss is massive. Vinbero has always taken pride in creating everything from scratch, with care, precision, and little waste. Morgan’s brilliance, his intricate, thoughtful approach to flavor, was and always will be one of Vinbero’s greatest gifts.

I’ll end with this… Friends come and go, but the ones who make a lasting mark on your life are worth holding close. In the short time I knew Morgan, he inspired me to keep growing, keep learning, and keep connecting.

So please, hold on to the people who lift you up. Find inspiration in others. And don’t wait to tell them how much they mean to you while they’re still here.

Rest easy, Chef Morgan. Your legacy lives on in the kitchens you’ve touched, the flavors you’ve crafted, and the people you’ve inspired. 

--Ramon Shiloh/2025

Fighting Injustice with Food Sovereignty

TRUTH IN HISTORY ON A PLATE

Hosted by Chef Ramon Shiloh

October 12th at Checkered Flag Tavern II

This is a ticketed event! Contact for more information

This Indigenous Peoples Day, and the birthday of our fearless host Elizabeth, we invite you to a culinary experience rooted in community, resilience, and justice.

My friend Elizabeth has created a bar that welcomes everyone and fosters connection over division.

My menu aligns with this philosophy: food as activism, food as truth, food as resistance. At The NEW Checkered Flag Tavern, we challenge prejudice not with words, but with flavor, intention, and history on a plate.

Throughout my journey, I’ve showcased indigenous ingredients in places people might not expect, from five star kitchens to dive bars. Dive bars are often associated with fried foods and less health conscious choices, yet I have always chosen ingredients thoughtfully, nourishing the community even in casual settings.

Native foods were once largely absent from mainstream culinary spaces, reflecting the broader invisibility of First Nations people. Despite wars, forced removals, social assimilation, and genocide, Native people preserved knowledge, passing it down through food to future generations.

Bars are living, messy, and real spaces, just like the communities they serve. The NEW Checkered Flag Tavern retains its character while promoting safety, joy, and unity. “Flags of BLM, and the rainbow” fly above as symbols of inclusion and resistance. My menu mirrors this environment. It’s bold, honest, rooted in history, and dedicated to fighting injustice with creativity, care, and respect.

End of Summer Harvest (Portland Oregon/USA)
Foraged Ingredients, Snap Peas, Radishes, Heirloom Tomatoes, Meyer Lemon and Green Chile Hush Puppies with Blackberry Dressing, Flaked Sea Salt.

This dish honors the land and the knowledge of the people who came before us, who took only what was needed and gave thanks. In a dive bar where the environment is raw, real, and unpretentious, these lightly fried cornmeal hush puppies bright with Meyer lemon, sweetened with blackberry, mirror the simplicity and abundance of nature itself. It is comfort, tradition, and gratitude rolled into one bite.

United States Government Ration Food (Bison Frybread Memorial Observed)

(Southern and Midwestern United States)

Brined Coffee Ground Bison Meat with Whipped White Beans, Green Hatch Chile Marinated Tomatoes, Smoked Charred Pickled Onions, Sweet Potato Purée, Root Vegetables, and Bison Tallow Molasses Gravy.

Here, the plate becomes a memorial. Frybread, born from forced government rations after the Indian Removal Act, tells a story of loss, survival, and reclamation. The bison, once nearly wiped from the land, is restored on the plate as a symbol of cultural renewal. This dish embodies remembrance, resilience, and the reclamation of sovereignty, the perfect complement to a space like The Checkered Flag II, where history, grit, and survival stories live in every corner.

Strength in Numbers Starting with One (Immigration We Stand)

(United States, Mexico, South America)

Smoked and Fried Poblano Chile Stuffed with Chayote Squash, Corn Masa, White Beans, Nopales Cactus, Tomatoes, and Queso Fresca. Finished with Red Mole, Salsa Blanca, and Avocado Sauce.

Every ingredient tells a story of resilience, migration, and hope. This dish honors the immigrant families whose labor sustains our communities while highlighting the cruelty and fear imposed by unjust systems. Here, in a dive bar that values inclusivity, we celebrate these stories through food, giving voice to resilience, compassion, and the enduring human spirit.

Native Flapjacks: The Cycle of Life (Youth to Elderhood)

(Great Lakes and Southwest Contemporary Fusion)
Sweet Potato and Wild Rice Pancakes with Ancho Chile Blueberry Sauce, Fried Sage, and Charred Herbed Cultured Butter.

This dish reflects life’s cycles, from youth to elderhood, honoring both the sacred gifts of the land and the wisdom passed through generations. In the lively, sometimes chaotic environment of a dive bar, it reminds us that transformation, learning, and reflection are possible in even the most unexpected spaces.

--Ramon Shiloh

 

Skagit River Interpretive Center’s 2026 Poster Revealed

 

As the year closes and a new beginning rises, the eagle soars beneath the sun’s radiant light. Its wings carry the wisdom of the skies, while the salmon below, its chosen source of sustenance, reminds us of life’s cycles and the skill required to endure them. In the distance, Mother Earth flows gently through the Skagit Valley, grounding the eagle’s flight with her nurturing strength. Together, these elements embody resilience, freedom, and the sacred balance of life. 

The eagle, illuminated from above and nourished from below, lives with pride and strength within the harmony of the cosmos.

I would like to thank the “Skagit River Interpretive Center“ for allowing me to illustrate another year of artwork in support of their mission to educate the public about the health and well-being of our beautiful eagles in the Pacific Northwest. This marks my fourth year creating art for their cause, and it is an honor to contribute to such meaningful work. To know more about the organization, go to https://skagiteagle.org/

Thank you 💕✨

🎨medium: charcoal, prismacolor premier pencils, koh-i-noor rapidograph pens, Iwata airbrush, digital art for placement and refinement.

©Ramon Shiloh/2025-‘26

Dinner at “VINBERO” with Chef Ramon Shiloh

 

I want to say thank you so much to “Vinbero” for giving me a place to share my stories through food. On September 12th and 13th I will be cooking dinners that explore First Nations foods, weaving them together to tell a story of Native American history, community, and the resilience of how far we have come, carrying traditional values into modern life.

The six courses I am serving are really a journey into my own life here in the Pacific Northwest. Each dish carries pieces of what I have lived, loved, and held close to my heart.

The first course takes on the myth of “firewater,” speaking honestly about both the harm it brought and the strength of those who carried its weight.

The second course, “Grazing in Summer,” is a salad that brings together the medicines of the Pacific Northwest, essential during the harvest seasons.

The third dish, “Lifecycle of Salmon and Fried Clams,” is at the heart of this place. It tells the story of land and sea coming together, of natural migration and memory, and of the endless cycle of renewal.

The fourth dish, “Duwamish Long House (Recognition),” is a smoked vegetarian terrine. Its form reflects the steadiness of the longhouse and honors the home that once belonged to Chief Seattle.

The fifth dish, “Four Legged Land Acknowledgment, Three Ways,” brings together bison, venison, and elk in acorn tortillas. It is bold and grounding, but also gentle, a way of honoring survival, balance, and the ties between land, food, and identity.

The final dish, “Native Flapjacks: The Cycle of Life, Youth to Elderhood,” is a dessert that speaks to the circle of life. It reminds us of the sweets we loved as children and the way those flavors follow us as we grow older, carrying memory and innocence full circle.

“Vinbero” in Edmonds, Washington is such a special place to share this story. Kris and Kali Kelnero, dear friends of mine, have been asking me to collaborate for years, and now after fifteen years we finally made it happen. I am so grateful to them for opening their space and for making this dinner possible.

If you are interested in joining us on September 12 or 13, go HERE. We still have seats available on September 13. I would love to share this dinner with you.

Ramon Shiloh Teams with the Skagit Watershed Council to Illustrate Poster

 

I would like to thank the @skagitwatershedcouncil for the opportunity to collaborate on two meaningful projects. One (pending) for their website and the other for the promotional poster for “Salmon Day At The Market”, taking place on September 6th at The Riverwalk Plaza in Downtown Mount Vernon Washington.

As an environmental artist, I am committed to creating work that raises awareness about endangered species and the ecosystems they depend on. The design of the poster is meant to reflect the strong connection between the Skagit River and the communities, cultures, and wildlife it supports. The circular motif symbolizes hope and unity among native traditions, farming and fishing cultures, and the surrounding wild lands.

A meaningful part of this work is my “legacy feathers”, which carry a connection to the coastal neighboring tribes that honor the salmon’s life cycle. These feathers symbolize the winged beings who like salmon, depend on the abundance of the region’s natural resources. Their presence in the artwork represents the sacred balance between land, water, and sky, and the shared responsibility to protect what sustains us all.

I recognize that the Skagit River is one of the last best hopes for protecting Chinook salmon, with approximately 50 percent of the Puget Sound population originating from this watershed. All salmon are connected to this river, and your support plays a crucial role in protecting their future.

‘Since 1997, the Skagit Watershed Council has led efforts to bring people together through habitat restoration, public education, and collaborative partnerships to protect and restore salmon ecosystems.’ 

I am honored to contribute my art to that mission and deeply grateful for this opportunity. 

🎨Medium: Prismacolor Premier Colored Pencils, Sumi Ink

©Ramon Shiloh/2025

✨An Insomniac’s Reflections on Time, Place, and Resistance✊

It takes time to figure out what truly matters to you, and even more time to understand how your voice can shape the future. The values we hold, whether personal or shared with our communities, are not just about what we hope to achieve. They are also revealed in how we respond when things do not go as planned.

I have learned that having a plan does not guarantee stability. Life shifts. Systems shift, and sometimes, those in power shift the ground beneath us, deliberately. Communities that have fought hard to build leadership and local trust, are often the very ones targeted for dismantling.

We are seeing it happen, where local leaders are silenced, institutions defunded, and decisions made without the people most affected in the room.When that happens, we cling to what gives us hope, even if it looks different than what we imagined. But hope alone is not enough.

We must be clear eyed about what is at stake. Serving our communities means protecting the voices within them, especially when those voices are under threat. It means asking hard questions, staying grounded in our values, and refusing to be passive when structures are being quietly eroded.

This is a reminder: leadership does not disappear overnight. It is pushed out, undermined, or co opted. If we care about the future, we need to be just as committed to defending local leadership as we are to dreaming about what is possible.

©Ramon Shiloh/2025

🔥FOOD JOURNAL PART 2🔥 Holy Moly Bar Popup Event

I want to reflect on what recently took place in Tacoma, WA.

I hosted a pop-up at Holy Moly Bar. It was more than a dinner, it was a conversation. My goal was to introduce First Nations foods into a space where they are rarely seen and challenge how we relate to alcohol. This wasn’t about judgment but about inviting dialogue about why we consume, how we consume, and the meaning behind it.

Alcohol has deeply harmed Indigenous communities, often simplified under the myth of “firewater.” Yet alcohol itself is neutral; its power lies in our relationship with it. That inspired my first course:

🔥FIREWATER with Yaupon Tea and Juniper Sticky Corn (Southeastern United States)

Juniper Sticky Corn reflects warmth, excess, and the influence of alcohol, infused with medicinal juniper powder for balance. Yaupon tea, sacred to Southeastern Indigenous peoples, offers purification and ceremony. Together, they represent two opposing forces: altered states and natural order. The dish ignites alcohol in flame, symbolizing transformation. Each sip, each bite, asked guests to consume with intention, because every choice carries a story.

Holy Moly was the perfect setting: rustic wood grain, minimalist sophistication, and bartenders skilled in the history of spirits. Owner Matt Coppins welcomed my vision, recognizing this was about honest engagement with alcohol’s role, not condemnation.

This event also marked my return to Tacoma, where I had an opportunity of opening a restaurant before an accident in 2021 derailed my plans. Preparing for this pop-up allowed me to reignite that purpose, bringing food sovereignty and healing into public spaces.

Thank you to Ms. Janes Fine Dining in Fife for providing prep space and ingredients, to Matt and the @holymolybar staff for their openness, to @asa_nutter for standing by me, and to @cowlitzforager for grounding me in the rhythms of the land.

And to every guest: thank you for listening, feeling, and understanding. That is the real nourishment.

📸 A sampling of the night. Courtesy of Kris Landes✨
Descriptions will be noted at another time. Still hunting for photos from the event. 😭

©Chef Ramon Shiloh/2025

🔥FOOD JOURNAL PART ONE🔥 Leonard Peltier/Bison Tongue

In tumultuous times, I believe the most powerful way to bring people together is through gatherings where food serves as a bridge to understanding. These spaces create opportunities for meaningful conversations and healthy dialogue that can transform problems into solutions.

Even while practicing food justice, offering meals with care and diplomacy, our concerns are often overlooked by those unable to relate when sharing a table.

I was originally scheduled to cook Bison Tongue for Leonard Peltier. This opportunity held deep meaning for me and could have marked a turning point in my life. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, Leonard and his family had to postpone. In response, Sean Sherman aka.Sioux Chef of Indigenous Food Lab invited me to Minneapolis to prepare the meal in Leonard’s honor.

What followed was an experience of reflection and connection. I approached the meal as a ceremonial offering, carefully selecting each ingredient to symbolize both Leonard’s confinement and his release. Regardless of differing views on his incarceration, one truth remains: we must all seek ways to heal from our experiences.

During my visit, I filmed the preparation of this ceremonial meal. It was never intended as a recipe but as a ceremony rooted in healing and storytelling. Each element was prepared with purpose and respect.

The Indigenous Food Lab is a professional Indigenous kitchen and training center committed to building a new Indigenous food system that reintegrates Native foods and education into tribal communities. They envision tribally operated kitchens that revitalize culture and nutrition across Native communities.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to my gofundme to get this project started. With this unexpected postponement, those dollars will still be used for the connection I will have with Leonard when the time is right. Thank you @alexciadevasquez, for traveling twenty seven hours with me to Minneapolis, and to OWAMNI and the Indigenous Food Lab team for allowing me to share this meaningful meal.

The FULL VIDEO is available on the “Indigenous Food Lab” YouTube channel.

To support Indigenous food sovereignty, visit NATIFS.ORG

©Chef Ramon Shiloh 2025

Kicking Rocks In All Directions

 

It’s clear where we stand today as a society. Whether you lean right, left, or independent, I don’t care, because the damage has already been done. I’ve accepted that I can’t stop a tornado and the chaos of decision-making that unfolds while we sleep. Every day, we wake up to new developments that either align with our hopes or bring unexpected consequences.

I care how these changes will affect us, whether they happen naturally or by force. Like COVID, we will all feel the ripple effects of executive orders that shape or hurt us. But with the complaints, one truth remains: we have a voice, and there is a call to action. We must empower each other to create meaningful change.

As an artist, chef, public speaker, and writer, I use my gifts to shape narratives that challenge, inform, and inspire. We all have a voice whether one of reason, distortion, or destruction, it demands attention. Culturally, racially, and spiritually, we are all navigating toward a greater understanding of our actions. At least, it seems to be that way.

Today’s debates often feel like an echo chamber, drowning out the most critical issues. Instead of endless online debates, let’s create. Artists like Joan Baez, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, and Banksy have shaped conversations through music and art. If you don’t consider yourself an artist, become one. Design greeting cards, speak at open mics, study journalism, or organize gatherings. Support local businesses, create flash mobs to uplift struggling communities, and volunteer.

I rarely discuss politics because my friends span the spectrum of beliefs. But my art will speak for itself when I perform The Alphabet Monologues: A Political Art Book at the University of Oregon this fall. It’s a show that goes straight to the core of the issues we’re facing in 2025. The Alphabet Monologues is more than a performance; it’s a political art book brought to life, using storytelling, music, and visual art to challenge perspectives and stir dialogue. In these times, let’s support each other, be kind, and serve those in need. Thank you.

My Stupid Stamp Signature!!
©Ramon Shiloh/2025 

Leonard Peltier’s Healing Meal

 

Walking a healthy path means navigating change, sometimes in unexpected directions. My journey has been filled with doubts, missteps, and uncertainty, yet each challenge has shaped my growth. Though imperfect, my road is mine, and I am proud of where it has led me.

As I embark on my next food campaign, I see my path aligning with service and healing.

I have been invited to cook a private dinner for Leonard Peltier and his family. An honor I never expected. This “healing meal” will reflect his journey and the new one he now begins. Through food and storytelling, it will embody resilience, understanding, and the lessons carried forward through time.

Each course will carry meaning, honoring the four directions in a Native way. It is my privilege to prepare this meal with care, respect, and love.

Kathy Peltier and her mother, Anne Begay, whom I’ve known since 2005, invited me into this sacred moment. I am honored to nourish Leonard when the time is right.

This moment feels historic, and I pray this meal brings not just sustenance but healing. I look forward to preparing it with gratitude, knowing my food will uplift those who receive it.

Titled: “Land and Sky Unite” The hatchet symbolizes time being chipped away, as Mother Corn nourishes us in times of need. As we smudge away negativity, we invite the eagle to carry our spirits into a new realm of sustenance. 

Welcome Home Leonard Peltier. 

©Chef Ramon Shiloh/2025 

My Partnership with Anne Mulaire

I am deeply grateful to be part of Anne Mulaire fashion company. Our journey together began when Anne reached out to me over Instagram, recognizing something in my heart that resonated with her vision. That connection led to a powerful collaboration, introducing my Indigenous Legacy Feather designs as part of an incredible collection for National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2023.

As one of the first guest artists from the United States to collaborate with Anne Mulaire, I wasn’t sure how my art would be received. But when we debuted my feather designs, the response was so supportive. The artistic expression behind the feathers, along with the message we conveyed, resonated with people. To further honor and extend that message, Anne Mulaire created beautiful greeting cards featuring my designs, expressing gratitude for the artwork and the cultural significance behind it.

I am honored and proud to be part of Anne Mulaire’s journey and the legacy of meaningful, sustainable fashion. This company’s commitment to health, wellness, and environmental responsibility is inspiring. Their products are more than clothing. They are statements of care, respect, and purpose.

Thank you Anne Mulaire, for welcoming me into your family. I look forward to creating more designs and contributing to this beautiful movement in the years to come.

“Beautiful. Sustainable. Zero Waste. Buy better, buy less.

The natural fabrics used in Anne Mulaire’s clothing are grown without pesticides, herbicides, or chemical fertilizers…EVER!”

Also, I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to @jodi_bnsn24 Chief of Sustainability and Climate Justice, researcher, storyteller, mountaineer, and ice climber.

“Since 2019, you’ve been driving the Anne Mulaire sustainability bus to greener pastures”, and I’m so grateful for your dedication. Thank you for being such a huge supporter of my work. Hugs and Love to you my friend!

For more information about Anne Mulaire and their beautiful clothes. Please follow them.

How Fragile We Are

Life is built on routine. We wake up, prepare ourselves, show up on time, and do our best. Over time, this routine becomes a system, something we refine until it defines who we are. It becomes our legacy with a path others might follow.

But what happens when everything we’ve worked for is suddenly taken away by forces beyond our control? In nature, animals adapt. When they fail, they retreat, survive, and try again. But humans struggle with loss differently. Instead of accepting defeat and moving forward, we seek revenge. We turn our frustration against each other.

For all our intelligence, we’re our own worst enemy. We harm not only ourselves but also the world around us. In today’s society, success isn’t just about building something meaningful. It’s about proving something to others. And in that pursuit, we sometimes forget what truly matters.

©Ramon Shiloh/2025

 

Thoughts entering my brain at 3am last night

 

Making America Great Again is a fallacy. It assumes that America has lost its way. But in whose eyes? I find it difficult to grasp the expectations of the world, let alone those who insist the country can no longer function as a unified voice.

From my vantage point, most Americans are simply trying to survive. Always working long hours to make ends meet. If someone is fortunate enough to have a little extra $$, they should be able to enjoy a break from the daily grind with hope, not fear. Yes, we face challenges with gender, race, religion, and class. Always have, yet instead of fostering real conversations, it feels like no one’s listening, giving a sh!t or offering an empathetic response to anything.

Our differences shouldn’t divide us; they should be the starting point for meaningful dialogue.

This country’s strength has always been its diversity. I grew up believing this country was built for people of all backgrounds. Yet today, we seem uncertain of who we are, acting like the youngest and loudest nation, struggling to define ourselves.

Take race. Ignoring history or pretending racism never existed won’t help us move forward. Neither will deporting people based on their identity or blaming entire races for societal changes. Most white Americans fear they’re “losing the country,” forgetting that they too, were once immigrants. To truly move forward, we must accept our shared history and embrace the bigger picture of what makes this country great, for better or worse.

In the meantime, I’m watching and documenting how this administration’s actions ripple through our lives. 

That said, welcome to the terrordome!! A realm of unpredictable behaviors we haven’t seen in decades!! 

🎨Medium: Prismacolor Premier Pencils and Sumi Ink 

©Ramon Shiloh/2025

Daily Inspiration: Meet Ramon Shiloh article by "Canvas Rebel"

 

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