GEPIC Speaker Series: Food as Relationship

Friday, Oct 03, 2025

GEPIC Speaker Series: Food as Relationship

Join us for an evening with Chandra Maracle and James Whetung as they explore food as a living expression of relationship — with land, community, and treaty responsibilities. Together, we’ll consider how planting, harvesting, cooking, and material culture can shape classroom learning and deepen our understanding of Indigenous food systems. This event is being presented by the Indigenous Education Advisory Committee (IEAC) and Grand Erie Parent Involvement Committee (GEPIC).

 

Guest Speaker

Chandra Maracle

Chandra Maracle

Co-owner and Lead Consultant of HAWI

Chandra Maracle, co-owner and Lead Consultant of HAWI, is a member of the Mohawk Nation. She has an extensive background in nutrition, wellness, education, and community. She has contributed to initiatives like the Haudenosaunee Food Guide and co-founded the Skaronhyase’ko:wa Everlasting Tree School, where she developed the school’s nutrition program. Chandra holds numerous certifications, including in Eating Psychology, Reiki, and Yoga, and is completing her PhD in Environmental and Urban Change at York University.

 

 

Guest Speaker

James Whetung

James Whetung

Author of "The Vision Seeker"

James Whetung was born in 1952 in Mud Lake Indian Reserve (now Curve Lake First Nation), Ontario. At that time, the Williams Treaty of 1923, which made access to traditional foods illegal, was actively enforced. James has worked for the past 38 years to restore his and his community’s connection to Mnoomin (wild rice) - one of the main sources of Anishnabek food security and food sovereignty. James has a B.A. In Native Studies/Cultural Studies from Trent University. He is the published author of “The Vision Seeker” and has participated in live theatre, television shows, and movies/documentaries about Indigenous food. James is the father of four children and a grandfather to many grandchildren.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Time: 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Location: Virtual

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