Historic Navy Hall Opens for an Intimate Anishinaabe Feast Celebrating Heritage and Reconciliation

Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON – Nov. 29 2025 — For one night only, Parks Canada’s Fort George National Historic Site is lifting the rope on Navy Hall, giving 60 guests access to a space rarely open to the public. The Great Taste of Canada Experience pairs this legendary setting with the culinary talents of Anishinaabe chef, Joseph Shawana for an immersive evening of Indigenous foodways, storytelling and reconciliation.

Guests will explore pre‑colonial and contemporary Anishinaabe cuisine across multiple courses. From elegant canapés and seasonal soup to a delicate freshwater fish entrée and a whimsical dessert, each paired with wines from Southbrook Vineyards. Six Nations performer, Ron Thomas, will open the evening with a cultural welcome and live music, setting the tone for a night that blends history, art and gastronomy.

The event is presented by the Culinary Tourism Alliance in partnership with Parks Canada, Niagara Parks, Indigenous Tourism Ontario, Tourism Partnership of Niagara and Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake. Rebecca  Mackenzie, President & CEO of the Culinary Tourism Alliance, notes: “This experience invites people to taste the rich flavours of Anishinaabe cuisine while learning why Navy Hall’s grounds are integral to our shared history. We hope it sparks conversations about Truth and Reconciliation and encourages visitors to explore more of Niagara’s culinary landscape.”

Highlights

• Indigenous culinary artistry: Four‑course dinner crafted by award‑winning Chef Joseph Shawana, with wine pairings and stories from a Southbrook Vineyards sommelier.

• Historic venue: Rare public access to Navy Hall, a former War of 1812 supply depot overlooking the Niagara River

• Cultural programming: Traditional welcome and live music by Seneca Faithkeeper Ron Thomas.

• Exclusive extras: Complimentary admission to Parks Canada’s Fort George (for use in 2026 season) and Niagara Parks’ new immersive flying theatre, Niagara Takes Flight, plus special offers from Tourism Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake.

Event Details

• Date & Time: Saturday, November 29, 2025 | 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

• Location: Navy Hall, Fort George, 305 Ricardo Street, Niagara‑on‑the‑Lake.

• Tickets: $275 per person (plus taxes and fees). Only 60 seats available; guests must be 19 or older.

• More info and tickets here

About Chef Joseph Shawana
Chef Shawana is an Odawa member of the Three Fires Confederacy. Born and raised in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, he uses ancestral techniques to create authentic dishes that celebrate Indigenous foodways. His work has earned numerous accolades, including the Ontario Food Awards’ top restaurant in the World Cuisine category and the 2021 Glenfiddich Chef of the Year Award.

Media Contact
Rebecca Mackenzie
President & CEO, Culinary Tourism Alliance
rebecca@culinarytourismalliance.com | +1 613 - 471 - 0102

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