Native American Teen Bridges Ancestral Wisdom and Modern Science with Cancer-Fighting Discovery
A high school student from the Duck Valley Indian Reservation has captured attention with a groundbreaking science fair project that reconnects Indigenous tradition with contemporary cancer research.
Destany “Sky” Pete, who belongs to the Shoshone and Paiute Tribes, demonstrated that a traditional food made from chokeberries—a staple in her community’s diet—can kill cancer cells in laboratory tests, spotlighting the healing power embedded in ancestral knowledge.
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From Tribal Traditions to the Science Lab
Inspired by a conversation with a tribal elder about rising health issues linked to a decline in traditional foods, Pete decided to investigate the medicinal properties of chokeberries, a fruit long used in her culture. The elder had lamented that many in their community no longer eat chokeberry pudding, a cherished dish believed to support health.
Fueled by this insight, Pete’s 2017 science fair project aimed to test whether the traditional chokeberry preparation could have measurable effects on cancer cells.
The Science Behind the Seeds
Guided by her teacher, Dietlinde Dann, and supported by Dr. Ken Cornell, a biochemistry expert at Boise State University, Pete conducted experiments on uterine sarcoma cells using different chokeberry samples.
She discovered a striking difference: only the preparation that included crushed seeds—the traditional method of making chokeberry pudding—showed the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth. Pure chokeberry juice, which lacks seeds, failed to produce the same effect.
“The seeds seem to hold the key,” Pete said. “People often just juice the berries now, but our ancestors crushed the seeds too. Maybe that’s where the real healing power lies.”
Promising Findings, Early Steps
Though the results come from in vitro testing, meaning outside the human body in controlled lab conditions, they are promising enough to warrant further investigation. If these findings hold up in clinical studies, they could lead to new, nature-inspired approaches to cancer treatment.
What Are Chokeberries?
Also called Aronia berries, chokeberries are native to North America and prized for their tart flavor and nutritional punch. Traditionally, Indigenous peoples prepared them as a pudding, a method that preserves the seeds and harnesses their full benefits.
Rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins and phenolic compounds, chokeberries are linked to anti-inflammatory and cancer-fighting effects. Beyond cancer, they have been valued for heart health, digestive support, and liver protection.
The Bigger Picture on Chokeberries and Cancer
Destany Pete’s research adds to a growing body of studies suggesting chokeberries may inhibit tumor growth and promote cancer cell death. Past animal and cell-based studies have hinted at benefits against cancers such as breast and colon, though more human trials are needed to confirm these effects.
Honoring Tradition While Advancing Science
Destany “Sky” Pete’s achievement is more than a science project—it’s a powerful example of how Indigenous knowledge and modern research can come together to uncover new possibilities for healing. Her work highlights the importance of preserving cultural practices and exploring their potential with scientific rigor.
conclusion
While still early in its journey, this discovery shines a hopeful light on traditional foods like chokeberry pudding as untapped sources of health-promoting compounds. Destany Pete’s project reminds us that sometimes the keys to future medical breakthroughs can be found by looking back—honoring the wisdom of generations before us while using today’s science to unlock their secrets.