The New #YouAreWelcome Food Truck Brings Aboriginal Cuisine to Toronto During the TO2015 Pan Am Games

The New #YouAreWelcome Food Truck Brings Aboriginal Cuisine to
Toronto During the TO2015 Pan Am Games

Visitors Encouraged to Eat, Play, Learn with Host First Nation,
Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation

Before Canada was a poutine nation, traditional Aboriginal foods like corn, beans and Pontiac potatoes were enjoyed by First Nations communities. As the official Host First Nation of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (MNCFN) are delighted to proclaim You Are Welcome to Torontonians, visitors, dignitaries and athletes by inviting everyone to sample authentic and local flavours with the launch of the #YouAreWelcome food truck on Friday, July 10.

“Food is universal and it brings people together from all different cultural backgrounds,” says Chief Bryan LaForme, MNCFN. “We are honoured to officially welcome people to our traditional territory this summer and invite everyone to taste delicious Aboriginal dishes.”

As a special welcome gesture from the MNCFN, lunch at the #YouAreWelcome food truck is covered by exchanging a $5 #YouAreWelcome gift card, which will be distributed on-site.

#YouAreWelcome Food Truck

In partnership with Chef David Wolfman, an internationally recognized expert in wild game and traditional Aboriginal cuisine, seven original and unique Aboriginal fusion recipes were developed to celebrate First Nation culture. The #YouAreWelcome food truck will be serving four of these delicious dishes to visitors.

“The #YouAreWelcome food truck will serve traditional foods with a modern twist. Stop by for a traditional taste of these lands,” said Chef David Wolfman. “If you can’t make it to the food truck, don’t fret. All the recipes can be easily made in a home kitchen for a new food experience.”

Curried Elk Pastry: Traditional ingredients like elk and sweet potato are paired with international flavours in a delicious curry base

‘Nish’ Kabobs: “Nish” is slang for Anishnawbe, which means “the people” in Ojibway. These specialty venison kabobs are drizzled with a birch balsamic glaze for a sweet and sour twist.

Smoked Turkey Chili: Taste the campfire with this smoky chili. Local ingredients like pinto beans help to balance the heat and round-out this hearty dish.

Wild Blueberry Bannock: Can be enjoyed for breakfast, dessert or an afternoon treat. Fresh scones are a staple in Aboriginal kitchens. This version brings the taste of summer with fresh, wild blueberries.

The #YouAreWelcome food truck will be stationed throughout the city in neighbourhoods like King Street West, Queens Quay, Queen Street East, Trinity Bellwoods Park and Christie Pits. Since the truck will be on the move, be sure to follow #YouAreWelcome on Twitter for daily location updates.

As part of the #YouAreWelcome program, the MNCFN will be distributing 25,000 You Are Welcome gift cards valued at $5 throughout the Greater Toronto Area during the games. These gift cards, specially designed by renowned First Nation artist Tracey Anthony, are limited edition and will be handed out by the #YouAreWelcome Food Truck and by the sampling team. Alternatively, gift cards at any value can be purchased online and in select stores as a unique souvenir this summer.

For more information on the MNCFN and the #YouAreWelcome initiative, please visit youarewelcome2015.com.

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Nish Kabobs Glazed with Birch and Balsamic