Indigenous culinary experiences to be featured at virtual ‘Terroir’ event

Anishnabeg, Chippewa, Haudenosaunee, Wendat and Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit, (Tkaronto) Toronto – The Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations has partnered with the Culinary Tourism Alliance to bring awareness to Indigenous culinary tourism experiences available in Canada to an international audience.

“We believe this partnership will help to shine a light on the Indigenous foodways woven throughout our country. There is so much depth and beauty to Indigenous food in Canada,” said Rebecca Mackenzie, president and CEO of the Culinary Tourism Alliance.

As part of the evolving partnership, ICAN will be hosting two Indigenous culinary sessions during the 2020 Virtual Terroir Symposium, a forum on food, tourism and hospitality managed by the Culinary Tourism Alliance and set for Sept. 13-15.

The first session will explore Indigenous culinary traditions with Joseph Shawana, Chef and Chair of ICAN. The second will feature Chef Jenni Lessard in conversation with Dr. Ernest G. Walker, both of Wanuskewin Heritage Park. They will discuss the impact of their Han Wi Moon Dinner series and share their successes with bringing back bison to the land.

The partners also have curated an Ontario Indigenous experience to be donated to the World’s 50 Best Recovery Auction featuring an overnight experience with chef Joseph Shawana on Manitoulin Island. The experience includes four nights of island foraging, meeting with locals, meals, sleeping in log cabins and teepees, a stay at Feast On certified Langdon Hall in Cambridge, Ont., and dinner at Alo Restaurant in Toronto.

“We are so proud to present our Indigenous food story to a global gastronomy audience for a deep connection to our land and the ancient ways of our People,” Shawana said. “We are particularly pleased to support the World’s 50 Best auction to raise funds for independently owned restaurants to apply for much needed financial support that will help our community get back to doing what we love most.”

The partnership has also been highlighted through the CTA’s Affiliate Membership with the United Nations World Tourism Organization. A cooking video featuring chef Jenni Lessard has been submitted to the UNWTO Gastronomic Initiative to be featured under the banner of Canadian Cuisine.