The book explores the historical and cultural significance of 'Rez Cheese' and traditional Native American foods, linking them to treaty rights and health outcomes. The author, Elizabeth Wiley Ma Jd Pomo Elder, uses the concept of 'Rez Cheese' to memorialize the treaty rights granted to Native Nations, which aimed to end centuries of conflict and genocide. The book discusses old recipes and offers modern adaptations for healthier traditional food preparation, focusing on controlling diabetes, a condition exacerbated by historical treaty foods high in fat, sugar, and white flour. The cover image of zucchini lasagna exemplifies a healthier, vegetable-forward approach to traditional Native American cuisine.

The book frames 'Rez Cheese' as a symbol of treaty rights and a means to address health issues like diabetes within Native American communities. It aims to reconnect readers with traditional foodways while offering practical advice for healthier eating. The author's background as a Pomo Elder suggests a perspective rooted in cultural heritage and lived experience. The approach emphasizes the importance of ancestral foods and their adaptation for contemporary well-being.