Indigenous Eats opens up culture, cuisine

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This article was published 08/07/2021 (1694 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A new food truck aims to fill a gap in the local market by sharing the traditions and tastes of Indigenous culture. Indigenous Eats will feature menu items like bannock tacos, bison burgers and bannock dogs.

“We always knew there was a need for something like this,” said Jeremy Monias, financial assistant with the Brandon Friendship Centre, noting the popularity of bannock taco sales over the years. “People are always looking for them. That’s just something we’ve seen that was missing in our community.”

The new venture is a pilot project through the Brandon Friendship Centre. Organizers say it will not only provide delicious food but is also a way to bring the community together.

“I already can see that the community is being so supportive with our project now, I can’t imagine what we’re going to have … for our first day,” said Indigenous Eats manager Darian Kennedy. “That’s how good of a feeling we have.”

BFC recently purchased the new wheels, which is more of a food trailer than a truck. They are now in the process of getting ready to launch, first with a soft opening, followed by a grand opening to the public later this month.

Details are still being confirmed, but the food truck’s home base is expected to be at 205 College Ave. and has the potential to move to different locations within Brandon. They plan to open five days per week for lunch, supper and evening customers. The schedule is still to be determined.

Bannock, a type of fry bread, will be a central focus of Indigenous Eats, as it is a significant tradition in Indigenous culture. The bread was brought to Canada by Scottish explorers and traders, and Indigenous people adopted the recipe.

“The recipe transferred over to us and we ran with it,” Kennedy said. “Indigenous people although they didn’t create it, they celebrated making bannock.”

Kennedy said the food truck will be all about opening up their culture and cuisine to the community, and will build the partnership between the non-Indigenous and Indigenous population.

“We’re able to bridge that idea of reconciliation, and use food. And a very key piece is bannock.”

Another significant item will be locally sourced bison, as Monias said it is “instrumental to the well-being of Indigenous people,” noting “bison has been here long before we have been.” Other tentative menu items include soup, fries, rice and raisins and mixed berries.

With the tragic news emerging across Canada regarding unmarked graves being found at former residential schools, it is a difficult time for many. Kennedy said he believes people can find “every day ways to include reconciliation in your life.”

“We’re all kind of given the problems — the social, economic problems — that we’re given as Indigenous people as an Indigenous population, and we’re just trying to find ways to reconcile the past, and heal,” he said. “One thing that everyone loves is food, and that’s the main idea about Indigenous Eats is being visible to the community, eco-friendly, non-Indigenous and Indigenous friendly. A very welcoming atmosphere.”

Another focus of the pilot project is hiring Indigenous youth, between the ages of 18-30. Jason Gobeil, president of the Brandon Friendship Centre board, said the project stems from thoughts of developing social enterprise.

“How do we open up that door to not only look at an investment with the community, but opening up an opportunity for young people to receive training?” Gobeil said, adding this can open up doors for future career development, such as culinary arts, food service and hospitality.

Gobeil called the project a “beautiful opportunity” to share food and culture.

“When you think about all those times we come together as Indigenous Peoples or just in community, it’s normally around food,” he said. “What a way to celebrate culture, celebrate moments and just celebrate tastes and the flavours of new experiences.”

As it is a brand-new project, they expect challenges, but organizers are optimistic and thrilled to provide this new venture in Brandon. Proceeds will go back into the Brandon Friendship Centre.

“This is really that opportunity for growth,” Gobeil said. “We are growing as a centre … we’re growing with our services, our programs, and what a wonderful way to just make sure that we’re always going to have a staple here in Brandon.”

Twitter: @jillianaustin

Email: jillianaustin.news@gmail.com

— Jillian Austin covers Indigenous and rural matters for The Brandon Sun under the Local Journalism Initiative, a federally funded program that supports the creation of original civic journalism.