Rock Hill Food Truck Showcases Catawba Tribal Culture Through Cuisine
Rock Hill, SC – A family-owned food truck, The Bow and Arrow, is gaining popularity by showcasing the vibrant cuisine and culture of the Catawba Nation, South Carolina’s only federally recognized tribe. The food truck, which launched during the ChristmasVille event last year, serves traditional native dishes and has quickly become a go-to option for those eager to explore indigenous food.
Who is Behind The Bow and Arrow?
The Harris family, consisting of Jason, Melissa, and their four children, has deep connections to the Catawba Nation, which includes over 3,000 members. Jason previously held the position of vice chief for the tribe and ran an unsuccessful campaign for chief last year. Melissa serves as the Head Start director for the Catawba Nation and has held various leadership roles. The family’s strong ties to their community and their heritage motivate them to share their culture through food.
What Do They Offer?
The menu at The Bow and Arrow includes a variety of dishes, many inspired by traditional Catawba recipes. Among the highlights are:
- Bow: A beef and bean Indian taco
- Arrow: A chicken and green chili dish
- Bison Indian Taco
- Frybread: A sweet treat enjoyed at pow wows, served with honey and powdered sugar
- Wojapi: A mixed berry sauce dessert
Melissa describes their culinary creations as “indigenous food for the soul,” infused with her grandmother’s recipes. The family’s approach not only highlights local dishes but also brings elements from across different indigenous cultures in the United States.
Where and When Can You Find Them?
The food truck primarily operates around Rock Hill and has participated in various events, from neighborhood functions to large festivals. They have catered for events such as the Catawba Nation Fall Festival and various regional gatherings. After a successful debut, they are poised to expand their presence at breweries and casinos in the area in the coming months.
Why Is This Important?
One of the primary goals of The Bow and Arrow is to educate the community about Catawba culture. Many new customers express surprise at not knowing about native cuisine. As Melissa remarked, “It’s crazy because we’re the first people here. We had to eat.” She emphasizes that when visitors come for the food, they often leave with a deeper understanding of Catawba heritage.
The menu features Catawba or other native words for expressions like “thank you” and “welcome.” Customers may also learn about traditional ingredients such as bison. The dish frybread itself, often made with simple ingredients like flour and water, serves as a historical link to indigenous survival and resilience. “Frybread helped populations survive,” Melissa explained. “It is a symbol of perseverance and ingenuity.”
What’s Next for The Bow and Arrow?
As The Bow and Arrow approaches its second year, the Harrises are planning to expand their menu further, incorporating dishes like bison stew and more root vegetables that are integral to indigenous diets. They look forward to continuing their journey of sharing Catawba dishes with an ever-growing audience.
The Harris family hopes their food truck will continue to spark interest in their culture. As Melissa states, “It’s feeding people, which is a basic need. But it’s also spreading the message of Catawba and indigenous people.” With each meal served, they aim to connect with customers and educate them about their rich culinary heritage.
