Acclaimed Chef Joseph Shawana is Odawa, part of the Three Fires Confederacy. Born and raised in Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve, located on Manitoulin Island in Ontario. Joseph’s cooking infuses Classical French techniques with Native American cuisine; full of flavour and never compromising quality over quantity. 

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Currently a professor and the Indigenous culinary advisor at Ontario’s Centennial College, Joseph is committed to furthering culinary education for all communities. Chef Joseph was also the force behind the high-end Indigenous restaurant Kūkŭm Kitchen, which won the “Best World Cuisine” award in 2019, besting over 33,000 restaurants. 

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Chef Joseph formerly chaired ICAN, the Indigenous Culinary Association of Nations. Under his leadership and guidance, Chef Joseph and ICAN were dedicated to breaking barriers and sharing Indigenous food, culinary, and cultural experiences from across Canada with the world.