Annette Francis
APTN National News
Jennifer Nattuk is having the time of her life learning about cuisine while attending Algonquin College in Ottawa.
Although she is a long way from home, being able to do what she loves is worth it.
“It’s pretty good,” said Nattuk. “I learn new things every day. I enjoy what I do there, it’s not always easy living in a city when you’re from a small community of Nunavut. But I’ve survived and I love and miss my family but I remind myself that I will be home in no time, when I complete everything,” said Nattuk.
She dreams of one day owning her own restaurant and believes she’s headed on the path to get there.
“When I get everything straightened and get more training and everything that I have to know about owning a restaurant.”
Nattuk is specializing in Indigenous cooking through the Indigenous Cook Pre-Apprenticeship program at the college. The aim of the course is to teach the skills needed
The aim of the course is to teach the skills needed, like knife work and food preparation including traditional dishes and business management.
The idea is to improve the success rates of Aboriginal students so they can take these new skills back to their communities.
Wes Wilkinson, the program manager says that’s why they chose Nattuk to place at well known Ottawa restaurant, Thyme and Again.
“She was a good match for them. Sheila Whyte’s (restaurant owner) a very talented, very entrepreneurial woman. I wanted her (Natttuk) to have the experience of that, where Sheila’s done very well with her business, so forth. When Jennifer first started with us she was very quiet, very meek etc. and then I think this has really brought her out of her shell,” said Wilkinson.
The restaurant’s head chef Justin Faubert said he is impressed with Nattuk’s abilities. , “She’s great! You don’t need to tell her very much, she catches on really quick which is always a bonus when you don’t have to go back over and walk people through two to three times. She catches on very well.”
“She’s great! You don’t need to tell her very much, she catches on really quick which is always a bonus when you don’t have to go back over and walk people through two to three times. She catches on very well,” said Faubert.
At the end of the month, Nattuk will complete the program and head home. But in the meantime, she sent a message to her sister who just celebrated her birthday.
“I wish to be home to make you a cake as I always do when I am home,” said Nattuk.
She plans to return for the second year program to earn the red seal certification.
