Nihkhah
(Neh haa)
A Canadian majority Indigenous - and women-owned company based in British Columbia, Canada.
Our Mission
1. Embracing and Advocating for the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge
1. Embracing and Advocating for the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge
1. Embracing and Advocating for the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge
Indigenous foodways and cultural knowledge are critical to addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, and malnutrition. These practices offer profound insights into land stewardship, ecological balance, and sustainable food systems. By
showcasing their transformative potential, we advocate for the
Indigenous foodways and cultural knowledge are critical to addressing some of the world’s greatest challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, and malnutrition. These practices offer profound insights into land stewardship, ecological balance, and sustainable food systems. By
showcasing their transformative potential, we advocate for the integration of Indigenous knowledge and pathways into local, national, and global strategies for food system transformation.
2. Building Relationships and Cultivating Understanding
1. Embracing and Advocating for the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge
1. Embracing and Advocating for the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge
Transforming food systems requires fostering trust and creating pathways for collaboration. Our work emphasizes building meaningful relationships and cultivating a deeper understanding of Indigenous foodways and their knowledge systems. By encouraging individuals, organizations, and policymakers to reflect on their connections with Indige
Transforming food systems requires fostering trust and creating pathways for collaboration. Our work emphasizes building meaningful relationships and cultivating a deeper understanding of Indigenous foodways and their knowledge systems. By encouraging individuals, organizations, and policymakers to reflect on their connections with Indigenous Peoples, foods, and lands, we create opportunities for reconciliation, bridge gaps, and lay the foundation for equitable partnerships.
3.Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Celebration and Learning
1. Embracing and Advocating for the Integration of Indigenous Knowledge
3.Empowering Indigenous Communities Through Celebration and Learning
Empowering Indigenous communities lies at the heart of Nihkhah’s mission. Through workshops, teaching, and mentorship programs, we amplify the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs, elders, and cultural leaders, showcasing their knowledge and expertise. By creating platforms for celebration and learning, we aim to inspire future generations,
Empowering Indigenous communities lies at the heart of Nihkhah’s mission. Through workshops, teaching, and mentorship programs, we amplify the voices of Indigenous entrepreneurs, elders, and cultural leaders, showcasing their knowledge and expertise. By creating platforms for celebration and learning, we aim to inspire future generations, preserve culinary heritage, and foster innovation that strengthens Indigenous communities and their role in shaping sustainable food systems.
Who We Are: The Story Behind Nihkhah
Chef Steph Baryluk
Chef Steph Baryluk, a proud Teetl’it Gwich’in from Teetl’it Zheh (Fort McPherson) in Treaty 11 Territory, draws deep inspiration from her Arctic upbringing, where hunting, fishing, and land stewardship shaped her connection to food and culture. With over 10 years of experience as a Red Seal Indigenous Chef, Steph is passionate about preserving and sharing Indigenous culinary traditions through her creations and educational initiatives.
Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2024, Chef Steph is a leader in advancing Indigenous food systems. As a member of the Greenworks Collective, she combines her culinary expertise with advocacy, inspiring future generations and promoting sustainability and cultural heritage on a global stage.
Sid Mehta
Sid Mehta is the Founder and Principal of Greenworks Inc., a consulting firm dedicated to creating sustainable, low-carbon solutions by mobilizing partnerships in food systems, climate action, and cultural preservation. With over 20 years of experience in strategic communication, advocacy, and sustainability leadership, Sid has led transformative initiatives that bridge strategy and real-world impact.
Through Greenworks, Sid leads the Greenworks Collective, a global network of experts tackling critical challenges in sustainability and food systems transformation. His commitment to innovation and equity empowers communities and organizations to implement solutions that drive lasting change and benefit both people and the planet.
What We’ve Done
Milestones in Collaboration
- Created Rooted: An Indigenous Food Program (March 2023): Launched at Simon Fraser University, this program remains a pioneering effort in integrating Indigenousculinary heritage into academic institution.
- Presented at the United Nations Food System Summit (July 2023): Shared insights on the Rooted program and its global implications for food sovereignty and sustainability.
- Global Environment Facility Event (August 2023): Curated Indigenous-inspired dishes for delegates at Simon Fraser University.
- Indigenous Youth Forum in Rome (October 2023): Hosted a reception and participated in panels, advocating for Indigenous food systems on a global stage.
- NACAS 3x Conference Presentation (November 2023): Highlighted the Rooted program’s success and impact on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Other Key Initiatives and Recognitions
- SXSW Reception (March 2024): Served Indigenous and plant-based dishes, showcasing sustainability and tradition.
- World Food Forum Cooking Class (April 2024): Featured Indigenous cuisine while educating global audiences on its cultural significance.
- NWT Culinary Festival (July 2024): Delivered a five-course Indigenous-inspired meal with wine pairings.
- Gold & Grand Prize for Sustainability, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (March 2024): Awarded for the Rooted Indigenous Food Program.
Publications
Celebrating Indigenous Heritage in Cuisine: Chef Stephanie Baryluk’s Impactful Journey
Indigenous-SME Small Business Magazine interviews Chef Stephanie Baryluk, an Indigenous culinary artist whose passion for Indigenous culture and cuisine has been recognized with the Food Industry Award through the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) in partnership with Skip.
Pan Fried White Fish Fillets with Sweetgrass Beurre Blanc
Chef Steph Baryluk grew up in the Gwich’in community of Teetl’it Zheh (Fort McPherson) and says she was very fortunate to observe her parents during harvest and processing season along the Peel River. Her inspiration comes from the Gwich’in people.
Foodservice and Hospitality Magazine January/February 2025 IBC
Chef Stephanie Baryluk uses food to keep her Indigenous culture alive.
Mahsi Choo Gwich'in Tribal Council for allowing me to be apart of such a huge project. 4 Gwich’in communities, a podcast and a cooking segment with a Gwich’in elder. Together we shared our food and language and I am beyond grateful to have been so hands on this week working with our people and stude
Chef Steph Baryluk
