12 Canadian First Nations Recipes to Make for National Indigenous Peoples Month

Posted on June 15, 2020 by Sharon Bond

There’s no better way to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Month than cooking up some amazing First Nations/Indigenous cuisine of Canada at home. These recipes — including a few from me at Kekuli Cafe Coffee & Bannock in British Columbia — all have amazing ingredients that First Nations, Inuit and Métis people use in their traditional fresh food cooking styles. Recognize and celebrate the Indigenous people (and cuisine) of Canada by enjoying some of these yummy recipes from all over the country.

  • Baked Halibut With Fresh Hemlock Spring Buds
     
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    Baked Halibut With Fresh Hemlock Spring Buds

    <p>If you are lucky enough to live on the West Coast, go get yourself some fresh Pacific halibut. This recipe will take you back in time when the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/top-seafood-forward-recipes-for-pescetarians/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fished</a> for this amazing food source. It’s low in fat, full of omega-3‘s, uses local ingredients and is so delicious.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <strong><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/baked-halibut-with-fresh-hemlock-spring-buds/18523/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baked Halibut With Fresh Hemlock Spring Buds</a></strong></p>
  • Homemade Jerky
     
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    Homemade Jerky

    <p>In many Indigenous cultures, Indian candy is a popular dish that dries meat (like buffalo, moose, venison) or salmon to turn it into jerky. Check out this recipe (using beef or bison) that can be done right in your oven! Here are more <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/healthy-snack-ideas/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">healthy snack ideas to satisfy your afternoon cravings</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/homemade-jerky/18048/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Homemade Jerky</strong></a></p>
  • Venison Carpaccio With Cedar Jelly and Sea Buckthorn Jam
     
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    Venison Carpaccio With Cedar Jelly and Sea Buckthorn Jam

    <p>If you’ve only got 20 minutes to make a gourmet meal, look no further than this venison carpaccio and sea buckthorn jam recipe. From cedar to berries, this dish brings together a variety of bold flavours to make for a very Canadian wilderness culinary experience.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/blog/first-nations-ingredients-with-modern-flair-37887/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Venison Carpaccio With Cedar Jelly and Sea Buckthorn Jam</strong></a></p>
  • Traditional Bannock
     
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    Traditional Bannock

    <p>Bannock is a traditional Indigenous survival bread. When food was scarce and rations were low, this bread could be made with almost anything. The ancestors would use crushed wheat, dried berries, bitterroot or pemmican. These ingredients would add sustenance to their diet. Today it’s a treat and it can be baked, fried or grilled. This recipe takes less than five minutes to prep. You can add blueberries or Saskatoon <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/in-season/photos/best-summer-berry-recipes/#!blueberry-skyr-cheesecake" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">berries</a>, as well as a little whole-grain flour to make it healthier.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/traditional-bannock/16288/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Traditional Bannock</strong></a></p>
  • Barbecue Chicken Fry-Bread Tacos
     
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    Barbecue Chicken Fry-Bread Tacos

    <p>Not your typical hard shell tacos. This version uses fry-bread (deep-fried bread) as the base, with fresh ingredients — like onions, cilantro, tomatoes, etc. — on the top. Try it with chicken, beef chili or even baked salmon. What are you waiting for? Build your own <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/blog/cinco-de-mayo-fiesta-party-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">at-home taco bar</a> tonight.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/recipe/barbecue-chicken-fry-bread-tacos/19937/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Barbecue Chicken Fry-Bread Tacos</strong></a></p>
  • Buffalo Beef Stew
     
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    Buffalo Beef Stew

    <p>Bison was (and is!) a significant resource for Indigenous peoples in Northern Canada and in the wide-open prairies. Celebrate the bison by giving this hearty buffalo <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/shows/great-canadian-cookbook/photos/great-canadian-soups-from-coast-to-coast/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stew</a> at home a try. Don’t forget to serve it with some delicious bannock on the side.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/buffalo-beef-stew/13506/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Buffalo Beef Stew</strong></a></p>
  • Kokom’s Meatloaf
     
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    Kokom’s Meatloaf

    <p>When the family comes knocking for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/sunday-dinner-recipes-leftovers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sunday dinner</a>, it’s time to make Kokum’s meatloaf. This recipe uses chopped bannock and ground beef in the loaf and is served with a deep, rich dark gravy and a side of mashed potatoes. Winner, winner, it’s time for dinner!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/kokoms-meatloaf/18000/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Kokom’s Meatloaf</strong></a></p>
  • Moose Burger With Wild Blueberry Onion Jam
     
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    Moose Burger With Wild Blueberry Onion Jam

    <p>This moose burger with wild blueberry onion jam is <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/comfort-food-recipes-30-minutes-or-less/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">comfort food</a> on a bun! If you’re so lucky to live in Newfoundland, moose meat will be available at your local butcher (try moose bologna and moose salami too!). Unfortunately, moose is not readily available in the rest of Canada (BC’s population is lower than normal due to wildfires), so substitute moose for deer or bison.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/moose-burger-with-wild-blueberry-onion-jam/19831/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Moose Burger With Wild Blueberry Onion Jam</strong></a></p>
  • Bison Burger With Fig and Onion Chutney
     
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    Bison Burger With Fig and Onion Chutney

    <p>Because bison meat was such a main staple for Indigenous people across the prairies, nothing would go to waste. This lean meat bison burger has all the fixings — and then some!</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/bison-burgers-with-fig-and-onion-chutney/18975/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Bison Burger With Fig and Onion Chutney</strong></a></p>
  • Alberta Bison Curry
     
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    Alberta Bison Curry

    <p>This recipe is the perfect example of when east meets west, where Alberta bison and sweet aromatic Indian spices come together to create this beautiful <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/comfort-food/photos/slow-cooker-curry-recipes-deliver-comfort/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">curry</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/alberta-bison-curry/16397/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Alberta Bison Curry</strong></a></p>
  • West Coast Cedar-Planked Salmon
     
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    West Coast Cedar-Planked Salmon

    <p><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/everyday-cooking/photos/best-salmon-fillet-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Salmon</a> is a deeply embedded food source for First Nations people: it represents their culture, identity and existence. It’s also one of the <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/healthy-eating/photos/best-worst-foods-for-mental-health/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">best foods for your mental health</a>. Try this version of cedar-planked salmon from the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/west-coast-cedar-planked-salmon/14386/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>West Coast Cedar-Planked Salmon</strong></a></p>
  • Berry Bannock Bread Pudding
     
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    Berry Bannock Bread Pudding

    <p>It’s <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/entertaining/photos/make-ahead-brunch-recipes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">weekend brunch</a> time — in a panic to whip something together? This berry bannock breakfast uses fresh or frozen berries and day-old bannock. Don’t have bannock? Just use day-old bread. Here are <a href="https://www.slice.ca/health/photos/indigenous-women-leading-the-way-for-the-next-generation/#!asia-youngman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">10 young Indigenous women leading the way for the next generation</a>.</p> <p>Get the recipe for <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.ca/recipe/berry-bannock-bread-pudding/19934/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Berry Bannock Bread Pudding</strong></a></p>
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