The Culinary Connections: Bridging Cultures Through Food project was more than an event; it was a transformative journey toward mutual understanding and unity between Indigenous communities and newcomers in southwestern Saskatchewan.  

The pertinent question this project sought to answer can be phrased this way:

‘How can newcomers begin to dispel the misinformation, misunderstandings, and misconceptions they hold about  Indigenous communities and start including them in their cross-cultural relations?’

The answer to the above question lies in creating awareness about Indigenous past and present through storytelling, food, and dialogue.

In other words, the Culinary Connections event brought together diverse participants, including representative from the Lii Buflo Métis Community and the Southwest Multicultural Association, the Mayor of Maple Creek, Mayor Michelle McKenzie and her mother (both of Indigenous heritage), members of the Nekaneet First Nation, including an elder, longtime residents, and newcomers in southwestern Saskatchewan.

Speaker after speaker took the podium to explore ways forward in building respectful and lasting relationships between Aboriginals and newcomers. One of the most powerful messages came from the keynote speaker, Kelsey Aitcheson, who opined that issues like food insecurity are not simply modern-day challenges but a social construct that is deeply rooted in colonial history.

For many attendees, the event marked their first time experiencing some traditional dishes from India, Nigeria, the Philippines and of course the First Nations. With the funding from the Canadian Race Relations Foundation, we were able to purchase the necessary ingredients and compensate the caterers who prepared the meal.

Cultural performances added vibrancy to the gathering. Performers from India, Ukraine, and the Philippines joined the Nekaneet dancers, who performed a moving Sun Grass dance. The Nekaneet dancers invited participants to hold and join hands in a circle dance.  The dance was a gesture symbolizing collaboration, equality, and shared purpose of moving forward.

Reflections

From the outset, we recognized the need to consult with Indigenous communities to better understand their perspective on the project. This process required multiple trips to Maple Creek and the surrounding areas in southwestern Saskatchewan, where we engaged in open, honest conversations with Indigenous communities. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s National Anti-Racism Fund made it possible to pay for the transportation to travel for the consultation.  

Through these consultations, we came to understand the self-awareness within Indigenous communities. The average Indigenous person in the region is deeply aware of who they are- a welcoming, spiritual and friendly individual, and recognizes the sentiments that mainstream society mistakenly holds about them collectively. Understanding that these perceptions have been shaped by historical omissions and the long absence of their voice, many Indigenous community members expressed hope that by participating in the project, they could share their truths and correct long-standing misperceptions.

A particularly meaningful moment occurred in June 2025 when a Nekaneet First Nation community member, Stanley Delvin, offered us a tour of the Nekaneet Reserve. It is located approximately 19 miles south of Maple Creek. That visit was both timely and symbolic in several respects. It affirmed our belief that Indigenous communities are open to intercultural engagement. The peaceful nature of their reserves and their genuine spirit of hospitality all point to this conclusion.  

Outcomes and Publications

After the event, participants were allowed to share their feedback through a questionnaire. They not only enjoyed the food but also appreciated the stories and histories shared during the gathering, expressing collective hope for stronger relationships with Indigenous peoples going forward.

One respondent wrote:

“It was a great event! Good work! I'm looking forward to the books when they become available. Oh, and I still can't decide - biryani or jollof rice. Have a great summer”.  

Throughout the event and in their post-event feedback, many participants expressed the hope that Culinary Connections will become an annual tradition. They recognize the value of bringing Indigenous communities, newcomers, and long-standing residents together to foster understanding through food, storytelling, and cultural exchange. The enthusiasm for continuing the initiative reflects the meaningful connections that were formed and the shared belief that such gatherings contribute to stronger, more inclusive communities. There was a strong sense of optimism that future events would build on the foundation and expand opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and mutual learning.

Beyond the event itself, the project produced two lasting resources:

1. Storybook

The storybook captures the voices and experiences of Indigenous elders from the Nekaneet First Nations and Métis community, and immigrant individuals in southwestern Saskatchewan who shared their stories and journeys. Through interviews, we documented personal narratives that reflect the richness of cultural identity, resilience, and hope. The storybook has also been formatted into a visual document for presentation.

2. Cookbook

The cookbook featured culturally significant recipes across continents, some of which were enjoyed during the event. It serves as a tangible way for participants and the broader community to continue engaging with diverse traditional cuisines at home.

‍Community Impact

This project sparked important conversations and laid the foundation for stronger, more inclusive relationships across cultural lines. Indigenous community members felt heard, respected and valued.

Newcomers gained insight into the histories, traditions and contemporary realities of the land they now call home. Meanwhile, longtime residents witnessed the transformative power of cultural exchange and reconciliation in action.

Most importantly, Culinary Connections demonstrated that meaningful Indigenous-newcomer relations are not only possible, but they are already beginning to take root.