The Allison Inn & Spa Celebrates Native American Heritage Month with Weekend of Culinary Events Showcasing Indigenous Chefs & Winemakers

From Nov. 1 – 2 The Allison Inn & Spa, the premier full-service luxury resort in Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley wine region, will host its annual Native American Heritage Month Celebration. This immersive weekend showcases a rich tapestry of events honoring the spirit, heritage, and flavors of the surrounding Indigenous communities. At the helm of this cultural journey is Executive Chef Jack Strong, a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, who oversees The Allison’s acclaimed farm-to-table restaurant, JORY.

During the weekend, guests will experience the tapestry of Indigenous culture as The Allison celebrates Native chefs who skillfully weave the stories of first foods—such as chili, squash, corn, beans, tomatoes, potatoes, and cacao—into their culinary creations. Weekend highlights include: 

Friday, November 1st: Celebrations of First Foods Dinner 

The evening begins with a welcome reception and cultural blessing, followed by a multi-course dinner showcasing the artistry and vibrant flavors of Indigenous cuisine prepared by three Native chefs, including Chef Strong. Each course is thoughtfully paired with wines crafted by Native winemakers in collaboration with the wine director of The Allison Inn & Spa, Elaine Heide. The dinner will also feature culinary creations by: 

• Jack Strong: executive chef at The Allison Inn & Spa and member of the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians.
• Nephi Craig: executive chef at the Rainbow Treatment Center and Café Gazhóó; member of the White Mountain Apache Tribe and half Navajo.
• Freddie Bitsoie: former executive chef of Mitsitam Native Foods Café in the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington D.C.; proud Navajo.

The Celebration of First Foods Dinner is $195 USD per person.

Following the dinner on Friday, a special dish highlighting native flavors of the northwest with the southwest will be featured in the dining room at JORY Restaurant. In honor of Native American Heritage Month, a portion of dish sales during the month of November will go to the Siletz Valley School’s culinary program to help fund future educational opportunities.

Saturday, November 2nd: Indigenous Marketplace + Reception 

The Allison will present its new Indigenous marketplace featuring 25+ local Native vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork and more. Attendees can sip wines from Native winemakers as well as neighboring Willamette Valley wineries and enjoy small bites while watching Indigenous cultural performances and live cooking demos from celebrated Native chefs, including Nephi Craig, Freddie Bitsoie and Alexa Numkena-Anderson.

A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the Northwest Native Chamber. NWNC is dedicated to working with all members of the community to transform the economic landscape for Native people in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. 

The Indigenous Marketplace + Reception is $65 USD per person.