Brandon Friendship Centre introduces new Indigenous food truck

Indigenous Eats is a project created to provide affordable Indigenous cuisine within the community of Brandon, Manitoba.

“It’s been a learning experience, but it has also been one of the best, most enlightening and kindest moments of my life,” said General Manager Darian Kennedy.

Kennedy has been cooking since he was four years old. Either with his family or just experimenting with new recipes by himself. He said the idea of the project is to promote reconciliation while bridging the two different cultures and cuisines that are co-existing in the country right now.

“I think it’s really important for Canadians, both non-Indigenous and Indigenous, to come together and that’s what this food truck is about.”

The menu contains a variety of dishes from people who’ve crossed paths with the chef. One of them is the ‘Berry Soup,’ a recipe Kennedy learned from his mother when he was younger. “Food is our identity and it’s also our story,” he added.

The food truck has three summer students working for them, as an initiative from the Brandon Friendship Centre in partnership with the Manitoba Metis Federation. Most of the staff are volunteering, and part of Kennedy’s family, and he highlights the importance of putting time and love into the food you cook.

“Words can’t tell you how grateful I am for them,” said Kennedy. “If this is all that I could do, I would.”

Those looking for a great meal can find Indigenous Eats at 205 College BFC and off highway 10 in Brandon.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of U Multicultural.