In virtually ever culture, food is a vital part of celebration, reflection and of course, daily consumption. With the turn to reconcilliation and the reclaimation efforts of Indigenous Peoples, it is unsurprising that food is a topic of relevence.

Paul Natrall of the Squamish Nation is a chef, restaurant owner and is a member of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada. As well, Paul is a representitive for the Indigenous Culinary of Associate nations, a group which uses food to influence the realtionship between Canada and Indigenous culture.

"food is the perfect catalyst for people to connect and heal" Natrall.

Dinner table conversations with strangers are a missing, impactful piece of reconcilliation. Sharing stories, food and drink, while discussing and listening in turn, is how much of history has been told, modified and retold. Traditional cooking methods, ingredients and the sense of pride and belonging that a meal can bring, is only a secondary connection to food and culture.

We have Oktoberfest, Thanksgiving (sigh, too much to unpack right here, right now), and a slough of other food related holidays and activities. Lets support an Indigenous Canadian feast and allow the cultures that are native to the land we call home shine through.

Original Article Here: [https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2022/10/20/canada-indigenous-food-tourism/]