“Thank you so much, that was so cool.” “The flavours were so great. “A five out of five.”
Those were just some of the comments fourth year StFX human nutrition students had for Chef Paul Natrall, a visiting Sodexo Canada ambassador and award-winning Indigenous chef from the Squamish Nation, after he led a hands-on food workshop in Dr. Ann Fox’s fourth year ‘Effecting Change’ class.
As Chef Natrall prepared Bannock breakfast tacos, he shared parts of his life story, his culinary journey, and Indigenous food ways with the students.
Chef Natrall, who is known for his modern take on Indigenous cuisine, is on campus as part of the Sodexo Chef on Tour program. Sodexo will host Chef Natrall in the Morrison Hall dining room on Wednesday, March 5th from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a unique opportunity to enjoy and experience the rich flavors and traditions of Indigenous cooking.
WEAVING INDIGENOUS THREAD
Dr. Fox says Sodexo approached the department about the opportunity and they were thrilled to be able to partner.
“A thread we weave through the program is the need to learn about Indigenous culture, and to build respect and understanding of the land. It’s really nice in our culminating course to have an Indigenous chef in and to hear from him,” Dr. Fox says.
“It’s exciting to see Indigenous ways of promoting healthy ways of eating.”
Dr. Fox says it was an especially important moment for her as she teaches the bookend courses in the department, teaching students when they first walk in the door and now again in their final year. “It’s nice to have this thread of Indigenous knowledge appear in this way.”
SHOWCASING TRADITION
“We are very pleased our food service provider, Sodexo, is continuing the Global Chef program, where a visiting chef comes to the campus to share their knowledge about a particular type of cuisine. We are thrilled to have Chef Paul Natrall, Sodexo Canada’s Love of Food Ambassador, and Indigenous Chef Partner on our campus,” says Bob Hale, StFX Assistant Vice President Administration/Ancillary.
“Chef Paul will be sharing his stories, traditions, and expertise in Indigenous cooking with our students. His cooking demonstrations and workshops with the Sodexo staff and students within the Human Nutrition program provides practical experience for them so they may share with others.”
Mr. Hale says Chef Natrall is showcasing traditional food preparation, ingredients, and cooking techniques that have been passed down for generations. “We are honoured to have him visit our community.”
As part of his role as a Sodexo Canada ambassador, Chef Natrall helps promote Indigenous knowledge and encourages cultural exchange. He also helps enhance understanding by helping non-Indigenous students and staff learn about Indigenous history, food sovereignty, and sustainability practices, and introduces students to Indigenous dishes they may not have had before. His work also promotes healthy eating and encourages sustainability, community engagement and inclusivity by providing a platform for Indigenous chefs to share their expertise.
Chef Natrall was one of three Indigenous chefs who competed in the World Culinary Olympics in Germany in 2012. He also opened Vancouver’s first Indigenous food truck, Mr. Bannock, in 2018. He was voted to take on the position of Chair for the National Indigenous Culinary Non-Profit "Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations" and is also a founding member.
