Niimaawin (Food for Travel)
“Niimaawin” (the Cree word for “food for travel”) aims to provide handy and nutritious solutions inspired by Cree culinary culture and prepared using boreal herbs and spices. These solutions include food products and meals designed for adventures in the bush and on the water, as well as during winter excursions.
In Eeyou Istchee, cooking is…
An opportunity for sharing. Each Niimaawin dish, snack, and seasoning tells its own story and honours the region’s bountiful resources.
A seasonal affair. As the seasons change, the Niimaawin menu features different ingredients, making the most of fresh produce when it is abundant and use age-old conservation techniques for the long winter months.
A source of comfort. As we gathered recipes from families across the Cree communities, our products were inspired not only by their cooking traditions but by the laughter, warmth, and memories they shared.
Niimaawin’s original, appealing, and authentic menu is a culinary treasure trove rich in history and culture; an engaging sensory experience that immerses visitors into the Eeyou way of life.
Our Inspiration
The People
Cree culinary traditions, passed down through countless generations, teach us how to savour and preserve local ingredients while respecting the environment.
- Cooking over an open fire
- Seasonal cooking
- Smoking
- Leaving nothing behind
- Sharing and being together
The Land
Our seasonal menu is filled with the lively flavours of the boreal forest and shimmering lakes of Eeyou Istchee.
- Labrador tea
- Berries
- Game meat
- Wild-caught fish
- Boreal spices
- Mushrooms
Our Products
Beef Jerky
with Boreal Spices
Fruit Paste
with Wild Blueberries
Demi-Glace Sauce
with Turtle Mushrooms, Blueberries, and Linchen
Bannock
Ready-to-Cook
Arctic Char Salad
with Blueberry Chutney
Smoked Duck Stew
Our product list is growing – please check back! More information, including details on where to purchase Niimaawin products, will be posted in the coming months.
Want More Information?
Contact Emmanuelle Choquette at emmanuelle@papilles.ca or reach out to COTA/EIT directly.