Cooking the Cherokee Way with Betty Jo Smith

As a child, she learned to cook from the Cherokee women around her. Watch Cherokee National Treasure Betty Jo Smith prepare traditional foods and share a meal - and her kitchen secrets - with the next generation.

[@rachelgarner4854]

that's my grandma. I love you grandma

[@tulessaslone5592]

I love your grand mother too :)

[@xbin87116]

Is Rex doing good? I worked with him back in the day.

[@juerettahall200]

Rachel Garner is she from the Cherokee reservation?? I have a great grandfather who was a Cherokee with the last name Smith. I’m curious..

[@bejohnson67]

youd be very proud ,,she is beautiful lady ,,id give anything to have a grandmother like her in my life ,,my grandfather was american indian but he died wen i was about 4 yrs old ,,god bless you Rachel

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

@@juerettahall200; I had a great grandfather of the Cherokee, his last name was Russell. I never got to meet him. He lived in Texas, I was born in Oklahoma. I wished I knew more of my heritage.

[@sdidok727]

What an amazing human being the golden generation that was full of respect and appreciation for nature and everything surrounding it. Lots of respect to you lady I hope you live many many more years in health and happiness. We appreciate you

[@jen9774]

Nice to see respect for the older generations. Most of us are rudely dismissed as boomers.

[@tanyamiller2717]

Shes my girls grandma. She is worth her weight in gold. Seeing her, the picture of doots and seeing Janell brought back so many memories♥️

[@CountrySing]

she ok?

[@j.rlowery9122]

What was she cooking? ? Was that Polk salad??

[@CountrySing]

@@j.rlowery9122 no it in eggs.

[@bjputiputi1861]

Our elderly are precious. You are blessed to still have her.

[@victoriahanke1990]

What a blessing and how beautiful of you to recognize it. 🕊🙏🌞♥️

[@gloriaking9586]

This made me cry . i am Indian . my grandparents didn't love my brother and I because we are mixed with black. I wish i had that kind of love from my family. This is beautiful.

[@toddporter9211]

Gloria King god loves you, and you can make up for that loss by passing your knowledge on to your children, and their children

[@gloriaking9586]

Todd Porter this is true but unfortunately i had cancer and cant have children. Maybe in the next life things will be better.. Thank you for your kind words!

[@cottoncandyoftheomgfam9238]

Gloria King ,. Hi Gloria that's sad it broke my heart when I read your comment about how you were treated. So sorry for you that you were treated like that.. YES GOD LOVES YOU..

[@gloriaking9586]

charlene hughes-peseta thanks ...

[@aprilel252]

my mother is cherokee and my dad is white but my mother side love us but my dad side did not my dad not want us kids he call us half breed still today he treat me and sisters and brothers bad but i not let it get to me no more you have to live life and find others that will love you for who you are Gloria King

[@ayanafletcher7897]

I am black and it surprises me how similar she is to my grandmother. She looked like she made collard greens, red beans and rice, fried catfish, stream beans and potato stew, and cornbread. Even my grandma had her own garden, and just as much sas and realness she has. Crazy 😳

[@suziekeuls7582]

Same with my grandma. Saddly my grandma doesn't have her graden anymore. She is old now ( altough she doesn't look that old) and can't take care of it anymore.

[@charlieharjo5268]

Stream beans ? What that is ?

[@cianap.281]

@@charlieharjo5268 Maybe it's a typo of "string beans." i.e. green beans that you prepare by getting rid of the tough tips and stringy vein running down the pod. It's a common name in the US South.

[@denisepadilla8920]

Maybe 🤔 you should do a video of your grandma's catfish! 🤤 Hi 🙋im Denise a Native American from a small village in Arizona, i ♥ fish, jst don't know how to prepare it 🤷

[@ayanafletcher7897]

Ciana P. Yeah it’s a typo I meant “Sting beans” I was typing from my phone so it was auto corrected

[@karenthesheepgirl1909]

It doesn't matter if they are american indian, black, hispanic or asian. There is just no substitute for a grandma. Mine died thirty years ago and I still miss her AND her cooking!

[@iahelcathartesaura3887]

She cooks & sets table like my grandmother & looks *exactly* like at least 5 of my close ancestors, both by blood & one by marriage, here in Western North Carolina mountains :)

[@margiemasih227]

I have a picture of my great grandmother way back... full Cherokee. I'm very proud of them. my mother's mother came every spring and her and I would go out to cut wild greens.. creesies , sourdock, dandelion, lambs quarter,but my favorite was Polk. I love this with corn bread. a way of life that is very interesting to me.

[@gerardbrennan7097]

Hi 👋🏻

[@DameObserver108]

@lalala I've even heard more than twice. I have no idea what common practice is.

[@MissouriCrookedBarnHomestead]

I just had to smile. I'm from the mountains of East Tennessee and everything about this video reminded me of my grandmothers on both sides of my family. Same dishes even! An older Corelle pattern of dishes. My grandmother has the same exact set, including the amber colored glasses and stainless steel utensils. We fried bread the same way, collected food from nature the same way. Honestly, I never knew much about how the people have adapted to Oklahoma. I'm now living in Cheyenne, WY and I can say everything is absolutely different. The mountains are not the same, the vegetation is not the same, the animals are not the same, and I feel a bit like a fish out of water. But, I have figured out how to grow a garden in Cheyenne. I've been here 3 years now.

[@romainejayne1811]

Cherokee Grandmothers were on both sides of mine, as well.

[@peggyhill7283]

Debbie B.......My family is from West Virginia. My Granny taught me cookin' this way. Ms.Smith is a lovely lady.

[@sonyamuqtasid4450]

Same for me! I showed my husband, look hunny same plates and bowls! I bet she was Cherokee as well, she certainly reminds me of my own family of NC! ❤

[@christinaadams1235]

I from the mountains of East tn, too!

[@karenowens8287]

Would like some ideas from you. I have lived here in Wyoming for many years. My family think I am crazy to do any gardening. I did a small garden last year. It produced a little but I am expanding this next year with more native plants. Any ideas would be appreciated. Tia

[@ncredbird3998]

I miss my grandma and her teachings. So many times I have worked I'd have recorded all my grandma taught me so I could look back on it with my eyes. She was so full of knowledge.

[@lindagonzales4559]

I love that the tradition of cooking is being passed down to the younger generation and the family seems so close and loving, what a blessing your mother is.❣️🙏🏼❣️

[@jahnaroth669]

It's so wonderful that interest in older relatives is being preserved, our country is so youth centered. It's nice to see. Cooking and grandmas are something of great value.

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

priceless for sure.

[@chico5489]

Reminds me of Sunday lunches with my late grandmother when I was young. I'm part Cherokee. She was full blooded Cherokee. How I miss those good times....

[@fearlesssfcappuccino]

"National Treasure" is truly no overstatement. Love this

[@JM-jt2zd]

That's how families should be and giving the respect our elders deserve. 👍👏👏👏👏👏

[@Faylengames]

I loved this one. What an inspirational woman.

[@nixonnopticus4744]

She cooks too 💖💖💖😍😍😍

[@kimgreen5909]

❤️

[@delorestaylor8114]

My great grandmother was a proud Cherokee woman. When I would go to visit her, she always gave me a penny before leaving. Her eyes were so kind and loving. Those memories are dear.

[@Stargate_interprize1]

AWESOME GO CHEROKEE NATION LOVE THE FOOD MY GRANDMOTHER 👵 ♥️ IS PART CHEROKEE 😊 THANKS 😊

[@heidikollar2278]

Thats how my Grandma cooked too. You are so blessed to have such a large family to pass your knowledge to. My best days when i was young were at Grandmas, in the garden, in the kitchen, on the farm.😊🙏 Bless you for sharing!! Peace!

[@SeekerKC]

I saw that plate of fatback, & was transported back to my summers in Tennessee as a child! 🥓💖

[@jimellamiles3651]

She cooks just like my precious sweet maw maw that was of cherokee decent...to a T down to the poke salad lol :) loved this video

[@ms09241993]

I have never seen your first named spelled that way before. Mines in Jemeila. I’ve seen Jamila, Jamilah. I like your way though 😊

[@ajisenramen888]

Grandma’s cooking = nothing in the world beat it because it is made with love ❤️👍

[@NativeAmericanSwag]

Watching this makes me miss my grandmother so bad!!!!!!

[@debraperry8051]

How blessed are all of you to have such a wonderful teacher of the past. My grandmother taught me all her cooking skills.

[@papasfatcat8648]

Thank you Betty Jo Smith for sharing your life and information to pass on.

[@lorimangold2890]

Betty Jo Smith thank you, for carrying on these important knowledge, I believe in natural ways to, my Mom taught me all kinds of plants that were healthy to eat, or medicines, you are still a beautiful woman, Aho

[@sherriehaynes8811]

That's sooo great, I wish I would've had somebody like her to teach me when I was little!!👣👣

[@kelliquinn613]

This was such a heartwarming video! Had to watch the entire thing almost felt like I was home. Thank you for taking the time❤ Thank you for passing on tradition , thank you for sharing your recipes. We're having such a kind soul. Peace be with you ❤

[@thisorthat7626]

She is beautiful! Look how healthy she looks, and how few wrinkles she has. And her smile is precious. Thank you for this video. Blessings to all who watch it.

[@barbaraaspengen9810]

What a beautiful &enlightening story hard life has made you so wonderful& close to your. GREAT family

[@rogerwilson9361]

OMG just watching you and what was cooked would be the same thing I had growing up in the South thank you.

[@sharonrousseau3527]

I love the elders and listening to their stories of perseverance and courage. I loved listening to my Grandma Mimi and I miss her every day. I was so blessed to know her.

[@lauraclay8006]

What an awesome lady! I love how much her family loves her! She is so wise, and kind.

[@patriciacallen9653]

How wonderful! I hope this family keeps recording and leaving these videos for future generations. I wish we had these when my great grand mother was still alive.

[@cynthiajordan8751]

Love the video and the old Corelle dinner ware. My aunt had that pattern.

[@cknowles7402]

IKR

[@JustCallMeLiberty]

my mom has that pattern too!

[@hellsapoppin2048]

My folks came out of the Cookson Hills close to Nicut in East central Oklahoma in the 1920s. Watching this video makes me hungry. I am glad Mrs Smith has carried these traditions on.

[@anunka50]

My grandmother use to th call that "polk salad". It was so delicious!

[@tonibauer2949]

Poke salad.

[@suzieq9009]

And it still is when I can get enough for a mess

[@1171]

Exactly

[@bettyatkinson7268]

My mom cooked Polk salad too

[@elizabethwilliamson7373]

We maybe coming to a time where we will learn to eat off the land. This video helps one to remember their fathers past. Being Cherokee on dad's side, I respect what he taught me. He taught me to be a survivor like him. He was red skin and always tanned. He's passed now.

[@claireconley8522]

Thank you, thank you for posting this! You are a treasure to us all!

[@lisawood3467]

Best looking meal. Looks like my Mama's cooking. God how I miss her. Her Great grandma was full blooded Cherokee and had to enroll in Georgia because the enrollment I Nc was full.

[@fastdraw30]

Truly amazing, I have so much admiration and respect for native Americans and their knowledge of so many old world things. Bless this woman.

[@Itsnotthatserious2023]

We all should be blessed enough to have someone like her as a mom, or a grandma. Ohh, just wanna hug her. 😘 that food looked AMAAAZIIINGGG

[@chandrasims9408]

Enjoyed this and elders traditions. Great job! Great history!

[@bethbartlett5692]

I love Polk Salad and eggs! My Mom use to make it in season and I'm about to pick some young and tender this week. Remember to avoid the stalk - it is Toxic/Poison. I make Ham and Dumplings - from Hambone and bone meat, Mom made this and it's so good!

[@RichieALevy]

Thank you for sharing this. Truly beautiful to watch the Native American [Cherokee in this case] way of life. Stay safe and well!!!!!!!!!

[@Lianel402]

Such a sweet precious lady 🥰 beautiful family. Thx for sharing.

[@youngbess1]

Thank you for sharing, from Australia.

[@twohorseskicking369]

I love to watch this stuff.

[@michelledudley4515]

My Great Grandmother and Grandmother were like this lady. She reminds me of them. I enjoyed watching her in this video. My Great Grandmother told me that on her 2nd Great Grandmother was Cherokee. I am still working on my family tree. It might take a very long to do. Thank you to whom ever made this video. I really enjoyed watching it.

[@brendanlambert2089]

That's how we natives do it: one like if u are native

[@zaracrespo9970]

I'm not native from the continent but I feel very connected to my Taíno roots thanks to my mom. She taught me how to fish and make my own arepas which is just like your fried bread. We make them from wheat flour or corn. I'm trying to learn the language but a lot of words are lost.

[@zaracrespo9970]

@DroidXPhone i know..disease more than anything

[@jnx6359]

Halfbreed

[@WJC981]

Does a couple of generations ahead count?

[@karlynnelangerak4549]

@@jnx6359 do you mean you r 1/2?

[@baskervillebee5748]

My Cherokee grandma taught her Oklahoma kin how to make lemon pie. My dad was born in 1907. I always wished I was Cherokee too, but I was adopted.

[@bloyal1513]

I love lemon...I want lemon pie 🍋🥧 did you learn how to make it?

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

Do your ancestry DNA. Maybe you are Cherokee. Being adopted means that is your heritage as well, regardless of DNA.

[@Tj-ho2fs]

this is a beautiful, wise woman.

[@againstallodds144]

I would love to live a simple relaxing life like this where everything matters ..food ..love ..family ... 😍😍🌱🌠💞😌🙏

[@robertaking2051]

This is a blessing to still have this women to teach the way of the Cherokee. My history family came from what is known as Ft. Stewart Georgia.

[@christinaluna2055]

What a treasure this woman is her heritage to give her family. A True American legend.

[@lisamcintyre2990]

I'm Cherokee, too. From North Carolina. Thank you so much for these videos.

[@swifstart_7777]

lisa mccintyre Cherokee lol

[@jlynnshow5923]

my ancestors were from yadkin and Surry co. Cherokee descent but can't find records. they came to my home state in 1870. I also have Cherokee on my moms side. I am dark completed, dark course hair and brown eyes. can definitely see my Cherokee blood. but my great grandma said our native secrets were left in the mountains when they came here on foot with a wagon train. Ggggreat Grandpa Dinkins passed away shortly after they came here and he left behind his wife and about a dozen children. I would love to learn my Cherokee heritage. don't know how I can find out their names etc but want to definitely learn more about their culture.

[@j.jjohnsonjr9806]

lisa mccintyre Me too

[@j.jjohnsonjr9806]

A Google User What Is So Funny About The Word Cherokee?

[@elchirstiano]

lisa mccintyre lol white people be at it again saying that their Indian 😂😂😂😂

[@ilovepollinators7635]

Wow, my Mom went to Chilocco, as a girl also. Her Mother was full blood Muscogee Creek though.

[@karenowens8287]

@siksika native human

[@chermillia]

I'm so part cherokee Indian also my great grandmother was %100 cherokee my mom has the red under tone and Sandy hair. I wish I could learn more about them and possibly meet some distant family that is still strong in the heritage.

[@j.jjohnsonjr9806]

chermillia I'm full and part Cherokee

[@OhMyPearls]

Some of those companies that do your DNA can give you info on ppl who are closely related to you, who have also sent their DNA in. Could be a start to find relatives.

[@TRUMP-oo5uy]

We might be related im part cherokee

[@alexandrahenderson4368]

If your mom had sandy hair she’s probably more white than Native. The Cherokee and Irish were close and the Irish were usually adopted by the Cherokee as friends and cousins. JS

[@tammymcpherson9982]

I really enjoyed watching!! Such a sweet grandma, and what a blessing that she was able to pass on her traditions and wisdom! That is priceless information, and it should be passed from one generation to the next generation.

[@sherrymorris2295]

I'm of Cherokee, my grandma was full blooded. I sure do miss her cookin. Thanks for sharing a lovely story. It's Sunday morn here and I can still see her in the kitchen makin pies and ham and redeye gravy n grits and cats head (that's the size of them and what they called them!)biscuits with cane syrup! MMMM... The aroma!

[@Jhamilton109]

sherry morris are you in Texas Oklahoma area? This is my childhood in a post!!

[@kathyt.8822]

Such a sweet family...its the one thing I grew up without....brings a tear to my eye to see not only recipes being past down but love. Best to all your family.

[@dawnwinn1957]

This woman is a treasure! You are all blessed to learn from her! ❤️🌹💐🌈👍🤗

[@omggiiirl2077]

Wow we eat some of these same foods in my Family here in Seattle! My Gramma grew up in Oklahoma, and when she settled here with my Grandfather, she brought with her the foods that she thought might not grow here, so I grew up eating pokesalit, and cress, among other things, like deer, elk, all that good stuff from the land! I learned from not only my parents but My Grandparents the values of my heritage and living off the land, and the goodness of caring for it!

[@seirracruse5662]

Where in Oklahoma?

[@omggiiirl2077]

@@seirracruse5662 okmulgee.

[@seirracruse5662]

@@omggiiirl2077 I'm from Skiatook

[@kipperlane8959]

I love this video. You guys are really blessed to learn such rich heritage from your grandmother. The food looks delicious!

[@blackberrylady6025]

Extremely Outstanding!!!In the South Grandma is "King" Mississippi my late Mississippi Grandmother..🖐🏽🖐🏽🖐🏽🎈🎈

[@shellierodarmel7282]

Native America deserve so much more I love them and there culture,they are so intriguing to me!much love and respect!

[@heidimisfeldt5685]

That's a whole wonderful feast on the table. YUMMY.

[@kathleendietz8935]

Betty your an Angel Dear Heart❣ You are truly Blessed that your Children have learned by you and your ways. They are fortunate that they can carry on the traditions you love. I have half brothers who are Cherokee but they didn't grow up in the Native ways. Our Step Dad grew up on a Reservation but his life was a Truck Driver. All we knew were stories.

[@gammieinfla4049]

what an inspirational woman !....i would love to see and hear more of videos she is a very wise woman...love hearing her stories of how she grew up and what she learned growing up as a child herself...i have utmost respect for her

[@hogheadtb6489]

My Granny made poke sallet or salad, she would often put a little salted pork in it to give it a little more flavor. Thank you Mrs. Smith, I pictured my Granny trying to teach life lessons every time I watch Osiyo TV

[@jenniepainter3983]

Poke has so much poison in it. That's why you pour the first boiled water off. That's why you put eggs or plenty of salty pork grease in it. That's why if you don't know how to fix it you better let someone that does.

[@jojo-ir9um]

Precious...I loved this...family our treasures in this life.

[@theronmartinANIWAYA]

Reminds me of my grandmother very much. Kind and always great to be around

[@kandiwolfe1125]

Thank you ladies for sharing this with us! I tell you what....l can ALMOST. smell your scrumptious food cookin now...!! Uh ohhhh.....now my bellys' starting to growl....HUNGRY I AM!! Thanks for sharing your time with us! Peace to All...⚘💜⚘ !

[@RandomPerson-js3rc]

My great great grandparents on my father's side were Cherokee. I never knew them. My great grandmother and Grandmother were very beautiful . I miss them. I have always been very curious about their history. I'm very proud of them. Thanks for sharing this wonderful heritage.

[@metaltea350]

This reminded me so much of my Grandma, thank you for sharing!

[@karensomethingorother]

What a beautiful video. My Mom and my Grandma are gone, so I must say i got a little choked up during that lovely family meal scene with the table full of food. Reminded me just how much I miss that. Thank you for sharing.

[@lindasnowden7862]

So glad you have someone to show you what and how. Sur hope she's still alive and you learn all you can from her. She is a treasure please treat her as such as she holds valuable information to be shared🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹👍👍👍👍👍

[@woolywonders5546]

Miss my grandparents. Glad they got to spend more time with her ❤️

[@jacquelynwalker6074]

Just had to subscribed when I saw the title. My father's father was inactive American and I did an internship on the Cherolee Ondian Reservation...and let me tell you these people are some of the best cooks. Don't miss put on this treasure. Thank you Grandma for sharing your knowledge.

[@aaroneg1]

Thank you so much for the great video about tradional food. 👍👍👍👍

[@brandonsellers4888]

This reminds me of my mamaw Robbies cooking growing up in east Tennessee.

[@connieroberts1180]

Wonderful video! Thanks for sharing! My mother cooked just like this, and so do I. My children still talk about their favorite foods growing up. Love that polk salad! I’m blessed to see this

[@romainejayne1811]

That's my Grandma, ...too I wonder how many countless others. Bless you for telling the your story.

[@jeannineevans447]

A lot of knowledge, it's a shame we take for granted the simple but important things. Blessed is this family.

[@lisat776]

Thank you for sharing your story and sharing your cooking skills. My Nana grew up on a homestead. She was born in 1895. Married a cowboy.

[@lisatoles2705]

Thank you for sharing your memories with me. Namaste.

[@landaarnott4565]

7how to make poke

[@TimJones-wm8lo]

Grandma-you are the greatest,well 👍 done

[@gunswiththedutchman]

Looks and sounds so much like my Grandma. She used to cook Cherokee but she never would teach anybody or have anybody in the kitchen to bother her. Sure miss her and her cooking.

[@sheiliaw.4376]

So very important & touching to see the closeness of your family and how you are not afraid to share your secrets with them. I've known people to go to their graves with their recipes or techniques. It's a very sad thing when that happens because those who are left behind have grown to love what their loved ones have provided throughout their lives. It only adds to the grief because not only do they miss their loved one but they have no way to carry on those methods. You're to be commended.

[@netrakulkarni5253]

Great Video the love of the Seniors in the family!

[@robertfay1150]

Beautiful video. Beautiful family. The food looks wonderful. Thank you for the video Carol

[@stephaniecrow147]

She is just precious! She reminds me so much of my late grandma Winnie Jewel. She was from the Lumpkins

[@kathydurrett9637]

I'm of Cherokee Decent n PROUD of it. We were raised by Mother Earth's Gifts too and always raised a Garden.❤❤❤

[@leinaalanicolas3583]

Beautiful! Mahalo for sharing your knowledge with the next generation. Greatful for your sharing from Hawaii 🙏💞☺

[@ldyluv6988]

Cherish your elders. This is so sweet 💗

[@charliec9822]

My father was Cherokee, he was Mack Canupp. I didn't know until everyone was gone so couldn't find out anything about my heritage. I would have been so proud to know the history of the family.

[@KindCountsDeb3773]

Maybe you can. Thru some records or even go to gathering of Native Americans who could possibly help.

[@ramkeransusanann796]

That there is some real great food cooked with pure hands. Look delish

[@rosalindavasquez4353]

Awe this made my eyes tear up I miss my grandma

[@Cantetinza17]

Oh my goodness bringing back memories.

[@Anna_Stetik]

Was really enjoying this video, and then I got shocked into a blast from the past. I grew up eating off of plates that looked exactly like hers. My mom had those exact same plates and bowls.