What does food represent?

Food is a symbol of resourcefulness and persistence in the novel. Latisha's restaurant is designed to make the more money because of her gimmick, despite her ingredients being the same as any other cafe. Lionel's mother's interest in experimental cooking is not stunted by their geographical limitations--instead, she uses what she has and make substitutions. Finally, the Blackfoot community eats all day together in the teepee every year at the Sun Dance, representing their commitment to each other as a community.