Indigenous restaurant opening in Sudbury: Hiawatha Osawamick shifting gears following successful catering business.

• Date: 01 December 2019
• Author: Romaniuk, Colleen

Ontario's Indigenous caterer" Hiawatha Osawamick is at a point in her life where she is ready to take on a new adventure.

After 10 years of running a successful catering business, she plans to open Sudbury's first Indigenous restaurant on Regent Street in January, 2020.

Osawamick, who was born and raised in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, has been around good food all her life.

Her aunt owned Pat's Cafe in Wiikwemkoong, and her grandmother was a caterer as well.

"Growing up in the kitchen, watching them, listening to them and the love they had for the food, was just a positive environment for me," she said.

It's what inspired her to pursue her own career in the industry.

After spending eight years working at Casino Rama in Orillia, Osawamick apprenticed at Georgian College and qualified as a Red Seal Chef. She started Hiawatha's Catering in 2008 while living in Toronto.

The early part of her career was busy, but she was forced to make certain sacrifices.

"I couldn't play hockey for the eight years I was there (at Casino Rama)," she said. "That was something I loved to do."

Chef...