Article
Nourishing culture and community through culinary training
Greg Stanwood, president of the North Fraser Métis Chartered Community, has always been passionate about strengthening his community. As a retiree, active volunteer, and lifelong learner, he is deeply invested in finding ways to build capacity within his Métis Chartered Community. His vision includes providing wraparound support for his community members, including initiatives surrounding food security, food sovereignty, housing, mental health support, and childcare.
Sharing food is a core part of Métis culture and traditions. Within the North Fraser Métis Chartered Community, Greg and his team of volunteers run social gatherings and outreach programs designed to help connect and nourish their community members. Currently, they operate out of an old church in New Westminster with a semi-commercial kitchen. However, Greg wants to find a permanent location to establish a fully operational commercial kitchen that will become the heart of future food security programs, providing meals and strengthening food sovereignty initiatives.
As a starting point to bringing this vision to life, Greg enrolled in the Culinary Pathways: The Basics of Cooking program offered by Métis Nation BC in partnership with Vancouver Community College (VCC). Custom-designed by the Partnership Development Office and VCC’s Asian Culinary department, this program provided hands-on training, including FOODSAFE certification and a 40-hour Kitchen Basics micro-credential. It also integrated Métis cultural cooking practices, allowing students to prepare traditional Métis cuisine while learning essential kitchen management skills.
For Greg, this course was a pivotal first step.
"Taking this program gave me the confidence and experience to move forward to gaining the skills I need to support my community. It was particularly grounding to learn traditional Métis recipes such as bison stew and Bannock. Now, I feel equipped to help train my fellow members to develop a sustainable, well-run kitchen that will provide our community with nourishing meals while preserving our culinary traditions for years to come.”
According to Clay Little, Associate Director of VCC’s Indigenous Education Department, ensuring that Métis students receive education in a culturally appropriate way is critical to their success. “Supporting Métis students with culturally integrated education strengthens their connection to their heritage and provides them with the skills they need to lead meaningful community initiatives.”
Danielle Bergevin, Métis Youth BC (MYBC) Chairperson, Minister of Youth, Minister of Mental Health and Harm Reduction also recognizes the significance of education in community development. She says, “Métis Nation BC is both proud and grateful to collaborate with industry and educational institutions to create training and employment programs that are culturally relevant and responsive to the needs of Métis individuals and communities. By fostering opportunities for education and skills training, we empower Métis people to support themselves, their families, and future generations.”
Education is a powerful tool for community capacity building. After completing the program, Greg hopes to share his knowledge with other volunteers, teaching them how to effectively run a kitchen and cook Métis cuisine. Through programs like Culinary Pathways: The Basics of Cooking, VCC continues to support community leaders like Greg, demonstrating how education can be a catalyst for change, supporting individuals in uplifting and strengthening their communities.
Greg displays bannock and jam made in his VCC culinary course.
Banner image is of Greg in the North Fraser Métis Chartered Community kitchen.
Photo credits to Greg Stanwood
To learn more about how your organization can partner with VCC on customized training and other educational initiatives, contact the Partnership Development Office at partnership@vcc.ca.