Oolichan Oil: The Elixir of The Sea

Discover the role of this mighty little fish that heals and nourishes indigenous peoples

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Course Description
Oolichan Oil: The Elixir of The Sea

Join Dr. Rudolph Ryser, as he takes you on a journey of discovery of the mighty little fish, the Oolichan, also known as smelt. The Oolichan has been a mainstay of traditional food medicine, nutrition and cultural practices of the indigenous peoples of Pacific Northwest communities reaching as far north as Alaska.


Following this course you will be able to:

  • Understand the importance of Oolichan to tribal communities in Salish Country and beyond.
  • Name the best methods preparing and using Oolichan for each need.
  • List the benefits of Oolichan Oil.


  • Picture: Sam Beebe at Flickr


    Your Instructor


    Rudolph Rÿser
    Rudolph Rÿser

    Dr. Rudolph C. Rÿser grew to maturity in the Cowlitz Indian culture on the US Pacific Northwest coast. He is of Cree/Oneida descent on his mother’s side and Swiss descent on his father’s. His mother taught him much about traditional foods and medicine history, techniques and practices about which he teaches his students. He founded the Center for World Indigenous Studies in 1979 and is widely recognized around the world as the principal architect of theories and principles of Fourth World Geopolitics. He is the author of the seminal book Indigenous Nations and Modern States: The Political Emergence of Nations Challenging State Power (2012) and the Fourth World Geopolitical Reader. He has for more than forty-five-years worked in the field of Indian Affairs as a writer/researcher and as Indian Rights advocate.

    Dr. Rÿser has contributed to policies and laws affecting American Indians and indigenous peoples internationally, contributing for more than 25 years to the development of the UN declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the UN World Conference on Indigenous Peoples and continuing international developments concerning the participation of indigenous nations in international forums. He is among the leading spokesperson for Fourth World political development and governance, tribal/state conflict resolution and international cooperation between indigenous nations.

    Dr. Ryser (Rudy) has taught at a variety of universities and colleges and is known as the teacher’s teacher. He also wears a “hat” as a indigenous foods chef specializing in authentic cultural cuisines. He is known for his eloquent speaking and his commitment to mentoring students as future leaders and activist scholars. His PhD is in International Relations.


    Course Curriculum


      Introduction
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      Module 1
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      Module 3
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      Module 5
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      Quiz
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    Frequently Asked Questions


    When does the course start and finish?
    The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
    How long do I have access to the course?
    How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
    What if I am unhappy with the course?
    We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

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