Experience Authentic Indigenous Cuisine and Culture at Winterlude
Join Mādahòkì Farm during Winterlude for MINOPOGWAD (Good Taste) 🔊, a unique series of pop-up culinary experiences paired with cultural performances and storytelling that share and celebrate the richness of Indigenous culture.
The word MINOPOGWAD means “good taste” in Anishinaabemowin, while MĀDAHÒKÌ means “to share the land”-concepts that perfectly capture the spirit of these experiences.
Created by Mādahòkì Farm Executive Chef Billy Alexander, MINOPOGWAD menus are prepared with foraged, natural ingredients that honour Indigenous peoples’ deep connection to the land, water, plants, and animals.
Winterlude Program Schedule
Ice Carving & Traditional Tea & Bannock Sampling
Sparks Street | February 1, 8 & 15 | 12:00 pm
Discovery of Sinzibuckwud (Maple Syrup)
Sparks Street | February 1 & 15 | 12:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Mini Pow Wow
Museum of History | February 2 | 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
MINOPOGWAD Taste of Nature
Museum of Nature | February 6 | 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
SnowBall: A Cool Winter’s Eve
Ottawa Art Gallery | February 12 | 6:30 pm
Nature Nocturne: Après-Ski
Ottawa Art Gallery | February 14 | 8:00 pm – 12:00 am
📍 Sparks Street
📆 February 1, 8 & 15
🕔 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Join Us for a Free Sampling of Bannock and Traditional Teas!
Visit Sparks Street and meet the team from Madahoki Farm for a complimentary taste of cedar tea or Mandoominchai, a unique wild rice chai blend. This is just a small taste of the experiences awaiting you at the farm this summer, where you can join us to make bannock and tea over an open fire.
While you’re there, don’t forget to discover the stunning ice carving inspired by Jessica Somers, showcasing her incredible artistry, and learn more about her story.
Plus, hear the fascinating story of the Discovery of Sinzibuckwud (Maple Syrup) during special fireside animations on February 1 and 15 at 12:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Warm up by the fireside and immerse yourself in this rich cultural tradition!
Jessica Somers, an Abenaki and Métis artist from Sudbury and founder of Focal Point Artistry brings her unique vision to life in Ice to foster a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and community through visual expression. Known for her intricate work on wood, feathers, baskets, poplar, birch bark, and canvas, Jessica blends traditional materials with contemporary storytelling to inspire creative thinking and meaningful discussions around Indigenous issues.
📍 Museum of History
📆 February 2
🕔 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join the Winterlude Pow Wow, presented by Mādahòkì Farm and the Canadian Museum of History, on February 2nd from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, QC. This free community event features a Mini Pow Wow with drums and dancers, an Indigenous Market, and special honors for registered participants, making it a celebration of Indigenous culture and tradition.
Event Highlights:
- Community Mini Pow Wow with Drums & Dancers
- Shop Indigenous Market
- Honorarium for the first 75 dancers and a feast for all registered dancers, invited drums, and head staff
Key Participants:
- Head Veteran: John McComber
- Arena Director: Awema Tendesi
- Master of Ceremonies (Emcee): Nimkeehs Wemigwans & Rae Anna Whiteduck
- Host Drum: Whitetail Cree
- Co-Host Drum: Spirit Wolf Singers
- Invited Drums: Eagle River
- Head Dancers: TBC
- Elder: TBC
Registration Information:
Dancers must be registered to receive honorarium at https://bit.ly/winterludepowwow.
📍 Museum of Nature
📆 February 6
🕔 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
An Immersive Indigenous dining and storytelling experience
Discover Indigenous culture through food as you enjoy a six-course meal carefully crafted by renowned Indigenous chefs Billy Alexander, Trudy Metcalfe-Coe, and Joseph Shawanda, who will each prepare a dish with foraged, natural ingredients and explain the cultural significance of traditional foods and the deep connection to the land.
Event guests can visit the Museum of Nature for free before the event.
Entertainment by Indigenous Experiences and Inuit Throat singers.
Tickets $ 100/ +Taxes & Service Fees
CHEF BILLY ALEXANDER
A trailblazer in Indigenous gastronomy, Mādahòkì Farm Executive Chef Billy Alexander, has spent over 25 years crafting dishes around the globe. A Culinary Excellence Award winner and former Culinary Development Chef for WestJet, he has shaped national culinary strategies for the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and regularly shares his expertise on national media. Rooted in his Indigenous and Scottish heritage, Billy’s cooking philosophy celebrates traditional ingredients and communal dining experiences.
CHEF TRUDY METCALFE-COE
One of southern Canada’s few Inuit chefs, Chef Trudy Metcalfe-Coe has impressed groups with her fusion of north and south in her signature dishes. She has prepared impressive meals including curried caribou stew to over 500 on Parliament Hill and Maple Grilled Arctic Char at the Indigenous Gala at the Museum of History. Trudy always creates unique menus that blend new Indigenous flavours with some of our favourite dishes.
CHEF JOSEPH SHAWANA
Hailing from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory (northern Ontario), Chef Joseph Shawana is a celebrated Indigenous culinary innovator dedicated to preserving traditional foodways and sustainable practices. As the Indigenous Foodways and Cultural Guide at Centennial College, he mentors future chefs in Indigenous cuisine. Former executive chef of Ku-kum Indigenous Kitchen, he emphasizes land-to-table sourcing and Indigenous food tourism. Chef Shawana not only delights diners with exquisite dishes but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the cultural narratives behind them.
6 Course Dinner Menu
Please review the menu carefully before purchasing tickets. To preserve the integrity and intention of the dishes, we are unable to accommodate special dietary requests or menu substitutions.
Canapé Trio
- Slow-cooked forest mushroom Tart (VG) (V) (GF) (DF) (NF)
- Musk Ox Tartare on Garlic Crostini (DF) (NF)
- Garlic Bison Tart w/ Brie & Balsamic Red Grape Relish (NF)
Course 2
- 3 Sisters Roasted Corn, Bean & Butternut Squash Salad w/ Maple Dijon Dressing (VG) (V) (GF) (DF) (NF)
Course 3
- Blackened Artic Char Topped w/ Hollandaise Sauce & Sesame Broccolini (P) (GF) (NF)
Course 4
- Pulled Goose w/ Fire Roasted Squash Purée & Sauteed Winter Greens (DF) (GF) (NF)
Course 5
- Smoke Cured Elk Rack, Fire Grilled & Topped w/ Signature Sweetgrass Blueberry Sauce, Paired w/ Roasted Parsnip Mashed, & Candied Apple & Beet Puree (DF) (GF) (NF)
Sweet Treat Trio
- Cheesecake Pudding w/ Akpik Coulis (NF) (GF)
- Butternut Squash Pudding w/ Coconut Cream & Toasted Flakes (VG) (V) (GF) (DF) (NF)
- Signature Maple & Cinnamon Coated Nish Bit (DF) (V) (NF)
(VG)=Vegan (V)=Vegetarian (GF)=Gluten Free (DF)=Dairy Free (NF)=Nut Free (P)=Pescatarian
📍 Ottawa Art Gallery
📆 February 12
🕔 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Experience MINOPOGWAD (Good Taste) at Snowball: A Cool Winter’s Eve
Join us for Snowball: A Cool Winter’s Eve, an unforgettable evening of elegance, community, and culinary delights. As part of this special event, visit the Madahoki Farm culinary station and experience MINOPOGWAD (Good Taste)—a unique showcase of Indigenous comfort foods. Enjoy delicious bites prepared by talented chefs, offering a taste of rich traditions and flavors.
This multi-chef cocktail party isn’t just a feast for the senses; it’s an opportunity to support a meaningful cause. Proceeds from the evening will go directly to The Snowsuit Fund, helping provide warm winter clothing to children in need across our community.
Don’t miss this incredible night of connection, culture, and giving back. Purchase your tickets today at snowsuitfund.com. Together, we can make a difference—one delicious bite at a time!
📍 Museum of Nature
📆 February 14
🕔 8:00 pm - 12:00 am
Experience MINOPOGWAD (Good Taste) at Nature Nocturne: Après-ski
Join us for an unforgettable night at Nature Nocturne: Après-ski and stop by the Madahoki Farm culinary station to experience MINOPOGWAD (Good Taste). Delight in bites of Indigenous comfort foods while immersing yourself in an evening filled with playfulness, discovery, and dance.
Tickets: Sold Out
Thank you to everyone who has made this event possible. We can’t wait to share this special night with you!