Episode 4: Chef Jenni Lessard - Michif Culture in Traditional and Contemporary Cooking

Jenni Lessard is one of Canada’s top chefs and proud of her Saskatchewan Metis roots. She and Leah talk about why making and processing traditional Metis foods, including the harvesting of local ingredients, helps contribute to the preservation of Michif language and identity.   

Chef Jenny Lessard is a professional Metis chef employed as the Indigenous Culinary Consultant at the Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatoon. 

Canadian Geographic and Métis Nation–Saskatchewan (MN–S) are proud to present Paykiiwikay Métis Culture Podcast, a series exploring the rich Métis culture and Michif language. Hosted by interdisciplinary Métis artist, mentor and author Leah Dorion, the first 10 episodes of Paykiiwikay, which is Michif for “come and visit,” take listeners on a journey through Métis communities around the province of Saskatchewan.

Paykiiwikay is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions in Ottawa.

Our opening theme music is by Adam Daigneault. The closing theme is by Leah Marie Dorion.