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World Food Forum 2023

The World Food Forum (WFF) flagship event is a dynamic global platform that transcends boundaries, generations and sectors to transform the future of our agrifood systems. On 16–20 October 2023, both at the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) in Rome, Italy, and on their interactive virtual platform, the 2023 event brought together world experts, impassioned changemakers and visionary leaders of all ages around the theme: “ Agrifood systems transformation accelerates climate action.” 

Simon Fraser University joined the WFF through three events at the Indigenous Youth Forum; The North American Inidigenous Peoples' Reception, Side Event: Bringing More Indigenous Foods To Public Institutions, and Learning Lunch: Three Sister's Soup. 

Forum Highlights

The North American Indigenous Peoples' Reception

By invite from the Embassy of Canada in Rome, which houses Canada’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations food and agriculture agencies, we are grateful to have been a part of an extraordinary evening at the North American Indigenous Peoples' Night Reception, at the Boaššu FoodLab. Proudly presented by Canada and in official partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU), the evening featured a menu created by Chef Steph Baryluk from Teetl'it Zheh, Treaty 11 Territory in the Northwest Territories, based on her SFU Rooted Program, and by Chef Mariah Gladstone (Blackfeet, Cherokee), the creator of Indigikitchen.

The Menu
Canadian Bison Bourguignon infused with Cedar Jelly
Canadian Salmon Salad with Sweet Grass Vinaigrette
British Columbian Bangin' Bannock Bread with Chive butter
Leftover BBQ Chicken Sandwich on Bannock Bread by Mariah Gladstone, underscoring the significance of utilizing every resource and curbing food waste.

Side Event: Bringing More Indigenous Foods to Public Institutions

In British Columbia, public sector institutions are looking for ways to bring more Indigenous foods to their facilities in ways that grow understanding and respect for Indigenous foods, cultures, histories. Sponsored by SFU and presented by Indigenous Educators, Jared Qwustenuxun Williams and Chef Steph Baryluk, the side event, "Incorporating Indigenous Foods into Institutions," at the UN Indigenous Youth Forum to showcased a guide developed by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Feed BC program, together with Indigenous Chefs, Indigenous Food Educators and government partners.

Cooking in Two Worlds, is a process guide for public institutions in creating food-related facilities, programs, and services that are more inclusive and respectful of distinct Indigenous foods and food cultures.

Learning Lunch: Three Sisters Soup

Attendees of the UN Indigenous Youth Forum were invited to connect with the cultural heritage of food, while enjoying the Three Sisters Soup prepared by Chef Steph Baryluk who is Teetl'it Gwich'in from Teetl'it Zheh (Fort McPherson), Treaty 11 Territory located in the Northwest Territories. 

"The story of the three sisters (corn, squash, beans) is one of helping each other and  protecting each other during growth. Our land has taught us so much about what we need to survive. We are still learning from the land today. We need to protect and care for the land for a brighter future."
-Chef Steph