Indigenous Tourism BC launches new Indigenous restaurant guide
From Whistler to Chase, Indigenous restaurants across the province highlight culinary traditions
Salmon n’ Bannock sources wild fish and seafood from off the B.C. coast.
THE LOCAVORE MOVEMENT may be continually gaining ground, but eating local, seasonal, and sustainable food was a way of life for Indigenous people prior to contact. One way to learn more about traditional Indigenous culture and support communities is through cuisine, and to that end, Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC) is encouraging people to dine at Indigenous restaurants.
ITBC’s new guide to Indigenous dining consists of cafes, food trucks, and restaurants throughout the province that emphasize locally sourced ingredients while highlighting Indigenous culinary traditions—all while following COVID-19 health and safety measures, whether it’s for dine-in, takeout, or delivery.
Among the dining establishments on the just-released food guide is the recently renovated Salmon’ n’ Bannock Bistro, which is the only authentic Indigenous restaurant located in the Traditional Coast Salish Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil Waututh First Nations (present-day Vancouver). Making up the menu are ingredients like Saskatoon berries and soapberries, stinging nettle and sea asparagus, organic and free-range game meats, and wild B.C. fish and seafood.
Fort Langley’s Lelem’ Cafe takes its name from the word for “home” or “place to come together” in hən̓q̓əmin̓əm, the language of the Kwantlen people. It serves fried bannock tacos with toppings like smoked salmon or smoked shredded beef,
The Squamish Lil’ wat Cultural Centre in Whistler is home to the Thunderbird Café, a casual eatery that serves dishes such as cedar plank sockeye salmon salad and venison chili. The centre itself has art exhibitions, workshops, and tours led by cultural ambassadors from the Squamish Nation and Lil’ wat Nation.
Based in North Vancouver, Mr. Bannock is the region’s first Indigenous food truck, which has become known for its juniper dry-rubbed chicken on waffle bannock.
Other featured eateries range from the fast-casual Kekuli Cafe West Kelowna to the upscale The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry at Spirit Ridge Resort, Winery, and Sacred Land in Osoyoos. The latter takes its name from a Syilx story about their Four Food Chiefs, which represent the core elements of Indigenous cuisine.
For more information, visit ITBC.
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