Keewaytinook internet High School (KiHS), ON
Grant term, 2024-2026
A list of communities served is as follows:
Grades 9-12 are served with a total school population of approximately 400 students. Farm to Cafeteria Canada provided KiHS an opportunity to purchase wild rice (maanomin) from an Indigenous entrepreneur who harvests the rice in the Red Lake area. In addition, we were able to send up 3 traditional cookbooks that highlight First Nations cuisine and provide recipes for students to try. This initiative gave our classrooms the opportunity to learn about the different stages in havesting and preparing wild rice as well as various cooking methods.
This video above was shared with students to help demonstrate the process of harvesting wild rice. Elders and community members shared recipes and many talked about their memories of gathering wild rice when they were younger.
One adult student said “I am very grateful to be able to use this wild rice in the classroom. I remember my mom making it when I was young, and now my daughter likes to cook with it as well”.
Classroom mentors are encouraged to incorporate the use of this wild rice into the food and nutrition course offered at KiHS, allowing students taking the course an opportunity to further expand their cooking skills and knowledge of traditional foods.
