Toronto — Runway of Rezilience event is scheduled to arrive at Casa Loma in Toronto this September during TIFF. Organized by Seeing Red Media, the fashion show promises to be a celebration of Indigenous creativity, culture, and talent, including well known Indigenous designers such as Lesley Hampton, models and special guest performances by Notorious Cree as well as many celebrity appearances. Notably; Indigenous-inspired sweetgrass ice cream will be presented at the event – a unique collaboration between Zach Keeshig, Chapman’s Ice Cream and Seeing Red Media.
Chef Zach Keeshig is an Indigenous chef from the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation at Cape Croker Reserve in Ontario, Canada and the owner of Owen Sound-based Naagan restaurant. Zach is celebrated for his inventive and adventurous Indigenous take on the culinary experience. He has made significant contributions to the culinary world by blending traditional Indigenous cuisine with both modern and classic techniques and ingredients.
“I hope to bring the Indigenous cuisine to the world. Work with Chapman’s will allow for a wider public audience the opportunity to learn, taste and see Indigenous foods,” said Zach. “It also is a privilege to be able to work with Canada’s largest independent ice cream manufacturer that is so local and close to home.”
The ice cream flavour is called Wiingashk, which is the Ojibway word for sweetgrass. This green frozen treat made with fresh sweetgrass, will have a vanilla floral taste, balanced by hints of maple syrup. This product will be made from locally sourced ingredients and made at the Chapman’s facility in Markdale, Ontario.
During the Runway of Rezilience event, ice cream will be available to the public at Casa Loma during the day and presented as an experience to the guests of the fashion show in the evening. All proceeds from ice cream sales will go towards The DreamCatcher Charitable Foundation.
“We are excited to debut this collaboration between an iconic Canadian brand and a star from our deep Indigenous talent pool. These visionary leaders are a perfect example of how Seeing Red looks at collaboration and future partnerships. We are honoured to walk together on this path with the Chapman’s Ice Cream family and Zach Keeshig,” said Bryan Porter, Founder and Shakohén:te’s of Seeing Red Media Inc.
“Runway of Rezilience continues the strong tradition of the independent Indigenous Fashion community, showcasing emerging and exciting new talent. As an ally, we are excited to be a part of it. Empowering local talent in our area is always a priority for us, and Zach’s dedication to showcasing his culture through food is incredible” said Ashley Chapman, Chief Operating Officer at Chapman’s. “Merging culture, science and art, Zach is going to present something that is truly amazing.”
The event is organized by Seeing Red Media. Seeing Red is an Indigenous-owned media company based on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. They exist to amplify the voices and vision of established and emerging Indigenous storytellers through film, content, and additional forms of media; producing award-winning films and documentaries, creation of original content that reflects cultural teachings and way of life, uplifting Indigenous voices, stories and news and creating a network of authentic collaborators.
Those who hope to try this delectable frozen treat outside of the fashion show, can do so at Zach Keeshig’s restaurant Naagan in Owen Sound, Ontario. Chapman’s is purchasing a special ice cream maker for Chef Keeshig to support this endeavor. There are no plans to place this product in retail stores.
To learn more about the event, please visit https://www.seeingred6nations.com/
To purchase tickets for this event, visit https://www.eventbright.com/ To learn more about Chapman’s, visit https://www.chapmans.ca/
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