A Feast in the Forest

Indspire > Events > A Feast in the Forest

A Feast in the Forest

June 12, 2024 | Evergreen Brick Works | Toronto, ON

On June 12, 2024, Indspire – a national Indigenous charity – will host its second A Feast in Forest event. Held for the first time in 2022, the sold-out A Feast in the Forest raised more than $1,000,000 to support First Nation, Inuit and Métis students through bursaries, programs, and resources that help them to pursue their education goals and dreams.

Once again, the event will be held at the Brick Works and will feature another incredible menu designed by Chef David Wolfman.

Buy Tickets/Tables

For information about the event, including sponsorship, please contact:

Kate Espina
Director, Major Gifts
kespina@indspire.ca | (416) 987-0262

Talent

Chef David Wolfman

An enthusiastic educator and entertainer, Chef David Wolfman is an internationally recognized expert in wild game and traditional Aboriginal cuisine. A member of the Xaxli’p First Nation in BC, David Wolfman is a classically trained Chef, Culinary Arts Professor at George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto (for over 25 years now), and Executive Producer and Host of the popular Cooking with the Wolfman™ television program. This show features David’s signature “Indigenous Fusion: Traditional Foods with a Modern Twist” and aired in Canada for 18 years. In 2017, David released his award-winning cookbook, Cooking with the Wolfman: Indigenous Fusion.

A former independent caterer and food service industry head chef, David is the recipient of numerous educational and industry awards including seven Gold Awards in Culinary Olympics, an Excellence Award from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development, an Outstanding Achievement Award from the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, and a First Place National Healthy Menu Catering Award from Evian. Chef Wolfman exudes unbridled passion for cooking and sharing his knowledge of Aboriginal culture and is a highly sought after restaurant and menu consultant, cooking demonstrator, conference presenter and youth motivator. When asked how to cook moose, a bush rabbit or Gateau St. Honoré, the answer is always the same, “very carefully.”

Aysanabee

Aysanabee, whose solemn and soaring vocals earned him his place as the first signee to Ishkode Records, the first Indigenous and women-owned label in the country, was nominated for a 2023 Juno for his debut album, Watin, released on Nov. 4, 2022.

His hit single “Nomads” reached #1 on Alternative Radio, making him the first Indigenous artist ever to reach #1 on any media base chart.

In a whirlwind year, Aysanabee performed well over 100 shows across the country and around the world, making his mark performing at the 2023 JUNO Awards national broadcast featuring Grammy-nominated drum group Northern Cree. News agencies called it ”the most moving performance” of that year’s award ceremony.

Aysanabee is actively touring and playing festivals across Canada and Europe, and is set to release a follow-up EP in the fall.

Red Sky Performance

Red Sky Performance is a leading company of contemporary Indigenous performance in Canada and worldwide.

Since its creation in 2000, Red Sky’s vision has been to lead in the creation, elevation, and evolution of contemporary Indigenous performance.

Now in their 24th year of performance (dance, theatre, music, and media), they continue to be guided by their mission to create inspiring experiences of contemporary Indigenous arts and culture that transform society in meaningful ways.

Based in Toronto, Red Sky Performance is an Indigenous-led company. The work is fundamentally based on ‘story’ and ongoing experimentation is vital. The vision derives from its creator, Indspire Laureate Sandra Laronde (Misko Kizhigoo Migizii Kwe, which means “Red Sky Eagle Woman” in Anishinaabemowin), from the Teme-Augama Anishinaabe (People of the Deep Water) in Temagami, Ontario. Her vision is to elevate and expand contemporary performance informed by Indigenous worldview and culture. Red Sky plays a pivotal role in the ongoing Indigenous cultural resurgence and shines a light on Indigenous ingenuity, beauty, and powerful original work.

Touring since 2003, they have delivered close to 3,000 performances across Canada including international performances in 21 countries on four continents, including two Cultural Olympiads (Beijing and Vancouver), the World Expo in Shanghai, the Venice Biennale, and the Kennedy Center, among others. At the same time, they remain deeply rooted and regularly perform in urban, rural, and reserve communities across Turtle Island.

Red Sky is the recipient of 17 Dora Mavor Moore awards and nominations, two Indigenous Music Awards, the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation, three International Youth Drama Awards from China, and the Smithsonian Expressive Award, among other recognitions.

Show more about Red Sky

Show less

Alex Kusturok

Growing up, Alex followed his mother Patti to Old time dances around Manitoba where he was enriched with the Métis fiddle from a very young age. By age 7, his passion for music became apparent, and today Alex makes his living as a performer and educator.

Alex continues to be high in demand as a performer and educator across Canada. Alex has a blend of styles in his music. He is greatly influenced by the Quebecois and Cape Breton fiddle styles; however, the Métis style remains at the forefront of his playing.

Alex has released four independent albums: Groove (2009), For Old Times Sake (2014), Almost Live (2017), and Phoenix (2020). In Alex’s show, you can count on a display of culture through music and dance, stories of his upbringing, and an energy that he hopes will touch your heart and move you.

Fawn Big Canoe

Fawn Big Canoe is your friendly queer DJ from Toronto and a proud Chippewa of Georgina Island. A favourite DJ at iconic events and venues like Pride Toronto, Indigenous Peoples Day at Fort York, The ROM and Ontario Place, Fawn has also produced and DJ’ed a multitude of dance parties, ranging from underground raves and deep club disco infernos to top 40 pop offs. She has been a potent part of this city’s nightlife for decades. Fawn’s DJ sets melt together with an effortless execution all while radiating messages of positivity, love, togetherness and the importance of having a good time.

Thank you to our generous 2024 supporters!

Presenting Sponsor

Indigenous Youth Sponsor

Cocktail Reception Sponsor

Culinary Sponsor

Student Speaker Sponsor

Entertainment Sponsor

Silent Auction Sponsor

Valet Parking Sponsor

Official Airline Partner

Guest Gift Sponsor

Premiere Tables

Dr. Amira Dan and Dr. Michael Dan

Platinum Tables

Hilary Pearson and
Michael Sabia

Patron Tables

Barometer Capital Management
Bell
CIBC
Deloitte
Enbridge
Gowling WLG
GreenShield
Holdbest Foundation
Hudson’s Bay Foundation
Kinross Gold
Lerners LLP
McCarthy Tetrault
NFP
Northleaf
Norton Rose Fulbright
PwC
Scotiabank
Thornton Grout Finnigan LLP
TIPI Insurance
Toronto Metropolitan University
University of Ottawa
University of Toronto Scarborough
University of Waterloo
Donald E. Worme, K.C, IPC, Semaganis’s Worme Legal