We notice there's a strong culinary element to the International Indigenous Tourism Conference taking place from Feb. 17 to 19 at the Edmonton Convention Centre. Shane Chartrand is among those preparing dishes for the welcome reception. Chartrand, who appeared on Season 11 of Top Chef Canada, is behind the Old Strathcona Farmers' Market's Paperbirch, which is open during market hours every weekend and during monthly prix-fixe experiences.
The welcome reception also features sibling chefs Brad and Cindy Lazarenko, both of the Culina group. Their latest venture is Bibo Strathcona, one of the independent restaurants that opened when chains closed along Whyte Avenue after the pandemic. The rest of the food lineup includes Holly Holt, a.k.a. SheCooks; Scott Iserhoff of Bernadette's; Kimberly Yellowknife of Kim's Cree-ations; Teresa Mixemong, a confectioner; Serge Belair, the executive chef at the convention centre; and Michael Crowchild of Little Chief Restaurant in Treaty 7's Grey Eagle Resort and Casino.
The event, which is expected to bring together more than 1,000 tourism operators, government leaders, and industry partners, will have a vendor market showcasing nearly 100 businesses. Among them is Indigenous Box, whose founder Mallory Yawnghwe recently launched the Settle Down podcast alongside fellow entrepreneurs Felicia Dewar of miskamâsowin foods, Vanessa Marshall of Jack59, and Shani Gwin of pipikwan pêhtâkwan and wâsikan kisewâtisiwin. Episode 1 is called Founder's Fire.