Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a time to honor and celebrate the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Indigenous communities across North America. This year, on Monday, October 9th, an exciting event will take place at the Midtown Global Market in Minneapolis. NATIFS (North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems) has partnered with Grow North and the Canadian Consulate to bring you an educational and delicious evening celebrating Indigenous food and traditions.
The event will feature guest Anishinawbe and Algonquin Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette, visiting to promote Indigenous food sovereignty, share knowledge about traditional Indigenous foods and practices, as well as discuss urban agriculture. He is the owner of NishDish, an Anishinaabe catering service and restaurant in Toronto, founder of Red Urban Nation, a culinary arts instructor, co-host of MasterChef Canada, and more.
The event will feature a panel discussion on Indigenous food sovereignty introduced by Chef Sean Sherman, founder of NATIFS and moderated by Linda Black Elk, NATIFS Educational Programming and Community Engagement Leader. The panelists will include Indigenous food experts Chef Johl Whiteduck Ringuette, Ana Garcia Castellanos, NATIFS’ assistant kitchen manager, and chefs Darryl Montana and Ma’iingan Sherritt-Stone of NATIFS’s James Beard award-winning restaurant, Owamni. NATIFS staff herbalist Francesca Garcia will sample a warm seasonal tea blend for guests.
Here’s the agenda:
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM: Arrival and Mingling
5:30 PM – 5:45 PM: Welcome, Drummers & Introductions
5:45 PM – 6:45 PM: Chef Panel with a Q & A
6:45 PM – 8:30 PM: Sampling, Craft Vendor Showcase + Tabling, Mingling
This event offers a unique opportunity to taste culinary creations from these talented chefs following the panel discussion. Guests will also have the opportunity to explore the new NATIFS Indigenous Food Lab Market, where Indigenous vendors will showcase their products for sale alongside community partners tabling on their organizations.
Consul General Beth Richardson from the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis will deliver opening remarks, highlighting the importance of celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day and acknowledging the contributions of Indigenous communities. Indigenous drummers will welcome guests to the event, which is free and open to all. But, please register in advance to help us know how many will attend. You can register here.
This Indigenous Peoples’ Day, join NATIFS, Grow North, and the Canadian Consulate at the Midtown Global Market for an evening of enlightenment, delicious food, and celebration. Come together as a community to honor the Indigenous cultures that have shaped our shared heritage and continue to enrich our lives today. We look forward to seeing you there!
