--- title: Celebrating Indigenous cooking and culture with Chef Shawn Adler description: In March 2023, over 40 members of Payworks’ team were joined by Chef Shawn Adler in our Toronto office to eat, learn and share stories together. image: https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogPost_June9-1.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.payworks.ca/celebrating-indigenous-cooking-and-culture-with-chef-shawn-adler#maincontent) [Skip to footer](https://blog.payworks.ca/celebrating-indigenous-cooking-and-culture-with-chef-shawn-adler#footer-en) ![Text reads, “Celebrating Indigenous cooking & culture with Chef Shawn Adler”. ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogBanner_June9.jpg) # Celebrating Indigenous cooking and culture with Chef Shawn Adler Jun 09, 2023 [Culture](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/culture) ![Payworks](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/inTheLoop-ring-150px.png) Payworks Share this article [![Share this on Facebook.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.payworks.ca/celebrating-indigenous-cooking-and-culture-with-chef-shawn-adler) [![Share this on Twitter.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](http://twitter.com/share?text=A%20great%20article%20from%20Payworks!&url=https://blog.payworks.ca/celebrating-indigenous-cooking-and-culture-with-chef-shawn-adler) [![Share this on LinkedIn.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20February%202019/Images/button.gif)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://blog.payworks.ca/celebrating-indigenous-cooking-and-culture-with-chef-shawn-adler&title=&summary=&source) This June, we’re recognizing [National Indigenous History Month (NIHM)](https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1466616436543/1534874922512) all month long! We’ve got education and celebration on deck, but wanted to start NIHM off by taking a look back at a delicious opportunity our Toronto team enjoyed back in March: lunch with Chef Shawn Adler. If “Chef Shawn’s” name sounds familiar, you’re not alone - in addition to his time as a guest chef on HGTV’s *Wall of Chefs*, he’s also an entrepreneur, speaker, instructor, television content creator and owner of [The Flying Chestnut Kitchen](https://www.instagram.com/theflyingchestnutkitchen/?hl=en). Despite his busy schedule, he found time to nourish both the minds and bellies of 40+ Payworks staff, visiting our office to share a meal, personal stories, and information and practical tips on traditional Indigenous practices for sourcing and preparing food. ![A individual standing at a row of hot plates.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/03292023_Toronto%20Office_FirstPeoples%20Luncehon_4-Edit.jpg?width=267&height=356&name=03292023_Toronto%20Office_FirstPeoples%20Luncehon_4-Edit.jpg) *Photo: Chef Shawn Adler at Payworks’ Toronto office. *   Each of the two sessions kicked off with videos from Chef Shawn’s [CBC Life series *Forage*](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYo16YuAhqHfb5Is4eM-3k6ahk1b2ji4l), where he “teaches us how to source in-season ingredients \[from\] our own backyards and sustainably forage them, before turning them into a delicious dish we can make and devour in our own kitchens.”   He also shared his own journey and experiences growing up Anishinaabe in Orangeville, ON, and challenged our staff to consider the nuances of what “cultural food” really means in the context of colonization. Through his many roles, he serves as an advocate for reigniting traditional knowledge and embracing Indigenous culture to nourish his community.   ![Twelve Payworks staff sitting in a crowd. ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/03292023_Toronto%20Office_FirstPeoples%20Luncehon_5-Edit.jpg?width=266&height=355&name=03292023_Toronto%20Office_FirstPeoples%20Luncehon_5-Edit.jpg) *Photo: Payworks team members gathered to meet, learn from and enjoy a meal with Chef Shawn. *   Our staff was not only engrossed in Chef Shawn’s presentation; they were delighted by the meal he prepared, which included:   Salad with apple-honey vinaigrette Bannock with sumac butter Bison and sage meatloaf with cedar jus Three Sisters Sauté with parsnips and dandelion Wild rice and mushroom pilaf Wild blueberry crumble …and even a choice of Sweet Grass or Cedar soda! ![ Three Sisters Sauté food dish.](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/03292023_Toronto%20Office_FirstPeoples%20Luncehon_10-Edit.jpg?width=266&height=355&name=03292023_Toronto%20Office_FirstPeoples%20Luncehon_10-Edit.jpg)   *Photo: Three Sisters Sauté was just one of many tasty options on Chef Shawn’s table. *   All staff in attendance were left with a fresh perspective and renewed energy with which to tackle the remainder of the day. > “It was such a pleasure meeting Chef Shawn and hearing him speak about his culture and experiences,” said Implementation Specialist Victoria Irwin. “Not only was the food amazing, but he was so genuine and open, answering our questions and sharing his journey on how he got to where he is today. I’m so grateful to the [DEIB Committee](https://blog.payworks.ca/a-look-back-at-a-year-of-learning-reflection-and-celebration-with-our-deib-team?hsLang=en-ca) for organizing this opportunity for us, which I’m sure will have a lasting impact on our team!” > > “Thank you so much for pulling this together,” shared Client Service Representative Sarah Le Bar. “I had such a wonderful time getting a better understanding of Indigenous food and culture. I want to thank Chef Shawn Adler for providing awesome food and sharing knowledge on his heritage and what it means to him.” Key topics in this article: [Culture](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/culture)[Finance](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/finance)[HR Management](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/hr-management)[Payroll Management](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/payroll-management)[Workplace Culture](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/workplace-culture) These articles are produced by Payworks as an information service. They are not intended to substitute professional legal, regulatory, tax, or financial advice. Readers must rely on their own advisors, as applicable, for such advice. [![Driving change: how Payworks and our partners are helping University College of the North students reach campus](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_UCN-Vehicle_Aug7.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_UCN-Vehicle_Aug7.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/driving-change-how-payworks-and-our-partners-are-helping-university-college-of-the-north-students-reach-campus?hsLang=en-ca) [Pay It Forward](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/pay-it-forward) [Culture](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/culture) | August 07, 2026 Driving change: how Payworks and our partners are helping University Col… Key takeaways Payworks, Johnston Group, and Birchwood A… [![Alberta HR compliance in 2026: what you need to know](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_AB_Compliance_Aug4.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_AB_Compliance_Aug4.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/alberta-hr-compliance-in-2026-what-you-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | August 04, 2026 Alberta HR compliance in 2026: what you need to know Key Takeaways Alberta employers have a focused but impo… [![National Bank of Canada and Payworks: Built for Canadian Business](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_NB-PWK_July2026.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_NB-PWK_July2026.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/national-bank-of-canada-and-payworks-built-for-canadian-business?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 31, 2026 National Bank of Canada and Payworks: Built for Canadian Business Why Are Canadian Businesses Choosing Homegrown Solution… [![CPP2 and QPP2 Explained: What Canadian Employers Need to Know](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/CPP2%20and%20QPP2%20What%20Canadian%20Employers%20Need%20to%20Know%20in%202026.png?width=300&name=CPP2%20and%20QPP2%20What%20Canadian%20Employers%20Need%20to%20Know%20in%202026.png)](https://blog.payworks.ca/cpp2-and-qpp2-explained-what-canadian-employers-need-to-know?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 21, 2026 CPP2 and QPP2 Explained: What Canadian Employers Need to Know Key Takeaways: As of January 1, 2024, Canadian employer… [![Québec HR compliance in 2026: your guide to what's in effect and what's ahead](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_QCEmployment_Law_Blog_July14.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_QCEmployment_Law_Blog_July14.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/quebec-hr-compliance-in-2026-your-guide-to-whats-in-effect-and-whats-ahead?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 10, 2026 Québec HR compliance in 2026: your guide to what's in effect and what's … Key Takeaways Québec employers are navigating one of th… [![Pay transparency is now law in three provinces. Is your business ready?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_PayTransparency_July7.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_PayTransparency_July7.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/pay-transparency-is-now-law-in-three-provinces-is-your-business-ready?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | July 07, 2026 Pay transparency is now law in three provinces. Is your business ready? Key Takeaways [![Is your B.C. care home’s payroll data ready for the HEABC transition?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_BCHomecare_Legisl_June30.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_BCHomecare_Legisl_June30.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-b.c.-care-homes-payroll-data-ready-for-the-heabc-transition?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 30, 2026 Is your B.C. care home’s payroll data ready for the HEABC transition? Key Takeaways: Eligible unionized B.C. long-term care (… [![Record of Employment (ROE): The Canadian Employer’s Guide](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_June25.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_June25.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/everything-you-need-to-know-about-roes?hsLang=en-ca) [Innovation](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/innovation) | June 12, 2026 Record of Employment (ROE): The Canadian Employer’s Guide Key Takeaways: An ROE provides information on employmen… [![The Canadian 2026 guide to holiday stat pay employee eligibility](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_Legislation_April14-1.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_Legislation_April14-1.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/the-canadian-2026-guide-to-holiday-stat-pay-employee-eligibility?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 09, 2026 The Canadian 2026 guide to holiday stat pay employee eligibility Statutory holiday eligibility rules differ across every… [![Is your payroll provider keeping client data safe?](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_CyberSecurity_October3-3.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_CyberSecurity_October3-3.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/is-your-payroll-provider-keeping-client-data-safe?hsLang=en-ca) [Resources](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/resources) | June 05, 2026 Is your payroll provider keeping client data safe? How to choose a secure payroll partner: a guide for acc… [![From reporting to understanding: meet Payworks Analytics](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_Analytics_Pro_June2026_EN_2x.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_Analytics_Pro_June2026_EN_2x.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/from-reporting-to-understanding-meet-payworks-analytics?hsLang=en-ca) [Innovation](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/innovation) | June 02, 2026 From reporting to understanding: meet Payworks Analytics Key Takeaways [![Our leaders slide into sledge hockey, thanks to Manitoba Possible](https://blog.payworks.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/BlogBanner_SledgeHockey_May22.jpg?width=300&name=BlogBanner_SledgeHockey_May22.jpg)](https://blog.payworks.ca/our-leaders-slide-into-sledge-hockey-thanks-to-manitoba-possible?hsLang=en-ca) [Culture](https://blog.payworks.ca/tag/culture) | May 22, 2026 Our leaders slide into sledge hockey, thanks to Manitoba Possible Think you’re a pro on skates? Maybe so… but how about o… ![ ](https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks%20Stock%20Photography/Cavan%20-%20Arlee.png) ## Seeing is believing! Curious what better Canadian workforce management looks like in action (and how much time you could reclaim in your day-to-day)? Book a pressure-free, get-to-know you demo today. [REQUEST A DEMO](https://www.payworks.ca/landing-pages/campaigns/book-a-demo) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Payworks", "url" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/author/payworks" }, "dateModified" : "2023-06-09T18:54:47.294Z", "datePublished" : "2023-06-09T13:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Celebrating Indigenous cooking and culture with Chef Shawn Adler", "image" : [ "https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/BlogPost_June9-1.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/celebrating-indigenous-cooking-and-culture-with-chef-shawn-adler", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.payworks.ca/hubfs/Payworks.png" }, "name" : "Payworks" } } ```