Food

In some communities, you should not refuse food when offered, or ask for something that’s not offered. This is considered rude. Many tribes offer food or beverage as a courtesy to their guests. Many tribes share the same history of “feast and famine” so sharing food has become a cultural norm. Sharing also promotes the cultural understanding of “give and take”. For example, “If I share with you now, there might come a day that when I am in need then you will share with me.”
If you are providing education, be aware of the foods that are commonly prepared in that particular community. For example, if the individuals eat fry bread, you might suggest making the bread with ½ wheat flour and ½ white flour along with cooking in vegetable or canola oil instead of lard. You might also suggest smaller portion sizes. We do not suggest that you recommend changing their eating habits completely, for example telling them fry bread is bad and they should never eat this type of bread. Rather encourage healthy choices with their daily or ceremonial diet.
Be aware that some individuals rely upon commodity food and/or do not have fresh fruit and vegetables readily available. Consider attending local powwows or talking circles to see what they traditionally eat and how it’s prepared. Again, encourage individuals to do the best that they can with what is available to them.

http://www.ihs.gov/pharmacy/index.cfm?module=awareness