Come hungry for knowledge and food and get ready to dive into the vibrant world of Indigenous cultures, cuisines, and the fight to decolonize our food systems. Partnering with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Student Association, we will have passionate speakers explore the rich history of Indigenous food traditions and the ongoing struggle for food sovereignty. 

Agenda:

• 5:30PM – 5:45PM: Opening introduction from Elders and a blessing of the food
• 5:45PM – 6:30PM: Complimentary dinner (vegan and gluten free options available) and movie screening
• 6:30PM – 6:50PM: Discussions
• 7:00PM – 7:30PM: Guest speakers present and Q&A session

Members of all gender identities and expressions are welcome 😊 This event is first come first serve until we reach capacity, so we encourage you to arrive on time and register to get reminders and updates, share any access needs, and give us a better sense of numbers. Thanks and see you there!

Land Acknowledgement

This event takes place on the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛw̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations.

About the facilitators

Chef Theresa Contois

My name is Chef Theresa Contois. I am a part of the First Nation of Turtle Island, adirect descendant of the Lakota Sioux with an ancestry of Anishnabe and Lakota origin.

Born to a family of 20, my siblings have said that I have always been a good cook, so I thought it was important to follow my passion, I took up the Culinary Arts Program at Vancouver Community College in January of 2008. During this time, I was able to garner many scholarships and awards including the very prestigious Student of the Year Award. I graduated top of my class and I followed that up by getting my hospitality management degree with a red seal certification from VCC. Even before I graduated the program, I was invited to teach in the Aboriginal Culinary Arts Program at Vancouver Community College where I have become a full-time faculty member for the past 12 years.

I have always advocated that “Food is Medicine” and it is armed with this firm belief that I have started my own catering company – Cedar Feast House Catering, Ltd. in 2011 to honor my mother Shirley Contois who is the last aboriginal princess of our tribe. My goal is to combine traditional aboriginal cooking with modern culinary techniques.

What started as a small kitchen with one employee has turned into a bustling business with thirty employees. We are a 100% Indigenous owned catering company that has been operating since 2011. Our company primarily employs people with disabilities, women who need second chances, single mothers and Indigenous people.

My future plans include passing on knowledge to the next generation by training Indigenous youths and students with disabilities to give them both Culinary and cultural understanding of the people of Turtle Island.

Event Accessibility

Embark Sustainability events are free and open to Embark members which includes Simon Fraser University undergraduate and graduate students, as well as Embark Associate Members.

This event will be held indoors in room #4200 of the Student Union Building (SUB), SFU Burnaby. Accessibility details include:

• The fourth floor of the SUB is accessible via elevator and hosts accessible washrooms, including a single-stall all gender washroom. In addition, the space itself (room #4200) is also wheelchair accessible.
• We aim to host a scent-free space. Please refrain from wearing scented products in attendance of this event.
• Unfortunately, we cannot provide ASL interpretation at this time.
• Sturdy, armless chairs will be available for those looking to sit during this event.
• As we’ll be addressing sensitive topics, it’s important that our attendees are able to address their needs in the moment. Attendees are free to opt in and opt out of activities as suits their needs throughout the event, including exiting and re-entering the event space.

 We aim to make our events accessible to as many of our community members as possible. If we can take further action to make this event accessible to you, please contact our Food Justice Coordinator at food@embarksustainability.org.

Health & Safety

Participants who register are agreeing to release Embark Sustainability Society from any liability related to COVID-19.

Community Agreement

By registering to attend this event, you are agreeing to be respectful when listening to and communicating with others, and be mindful of the space you are taking up amongst your peers.

Embark Sustainability does not tolerate violence or aggression against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, place of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or ability. Please also refer to people using the introductions they provide and do not assume pronouns/gender/knowledge based on someone’s name or appearance.

If these agreements are broken by someone, we will have to ensure the safety of our community members by removing them from the event.

Questions

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Embark Sustainability’s Food Justice Coordinator at food@embarksustainability.org.