Inuk Chef Sierra Conboy Launches Tuktu Catering in Ottawa

Sierra Conboy, a promising Inuk chef, has launched her own catering business, Tuktu Catering, in Ottawa. The 21-year-old, who also serves as a junior instructor at the local cooking school C’est Bon, combines her culinary skills with her Indigenous heritage to offer a unique dining experience. Conboy’s venture is set against the backdrop of her full-time teaching role and her ongoing studies in Algonquin College’s culinary program.

Conboy, whose heritage includes Inuk, Irish, and French Canadian roots, has always been deeply connected to her culture. Growing up in Ottawa, she enjoyed traditional foods such as iqaluk (frozen Arctic char), tuktu (caribou), and maktaaq (whale skin), which inspired her catering business name. She recalls, “I always grew up with my traditional country food.”

Her culinary journey began at the age of 10, inspired by her grandmother. “She loved when I started experimenting with food and joined cooking clubs throughout elementary school and high school,” Conboy noted. A significant mentor in her career has been award-winning Inuk chef Trudy Metcalfe-Coe, who introduced her to First Nations cuisine at a young age.

Conboy’s professional experience includes cooking at the Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families, where she first learned to use traditional tools like the ulu. After two years there, she joined C’est Bon Ottawa in May 2023, working under the guidance of co-owner chef Georges Laurier. As she honed her skills, she also began teaching younger chefs.

The idea for Tuktu Catering emerged after a family friend, Beverly Illauq, recognized Conboy’s talent for catering. Conboy decided to officially launch her business, aiming to bring Inuit cuisine to a broader audience. “I don’t want to isolate myself and I want to cook for everyone,” she emphasized.

She plans to operate most catering jobs herself, adjusting menus according to clients’ budgets and preferences. Conboy’s approach reflects a desire to nurture community ties, saying, “As Inuit, we want to feed and take care of everyone and have that community feel.”

Conboy’s passion is also fueled by the memory of her late colleague, Joshua Qiyuk, who passed away in October 2022. The two chefs were the same age and shared similar journeys in the culinary world. “He was such a lovely, caring person to work with,” she recalled, expressing her grief and the inspiration she draws from his memory.

Once her website is operational, Conboy plans to host a launch party in Ottawa. She hopes to educate people about Inuit culture and promote Inuit cuisine through cooking classes at C’est Bon throughout the year.

Sierra Conboy’s journey exemplifies the blending of traditional indigenous culinary practices with modern techniques. Tuktu Catering is not just a business; it represents a commitment to cultural heritage and community engagement, making it a noteworthy addition to Ottawa’s vibrant culinary landscape.