Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Mierau. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Sarah , thanks for joining us today. Day to day the world can seem like a tough place, but there’s also so much kindness in the world and we think talking about that kindness helps spread it and make the world a nicer, kinder place. Can you share a story of a time when someone did something really kind for you?

I had a young non Indigenous boy age approx 8 or 9 years old came into my Cafe for his birthday lunch. He heard about us on the radio and that we specialize in Plant Medicine dishes. I guess he was learning about it in school. But when they were leaving his mom said he wanted to say something to me.

In the sweetest voice he said Mahsi Cho!

That’s Thank you in my Sayosi Dene language.

That made my year. What a way to honor me.

I’ll never forget that little boy.

Sarah , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Sarah Meconse Mierau. I graduated with an Advanced diploma in culinary arts and restaurant ownership from the Art Institute of Vancouver.

I own a Business called Tradish.

Tradish brings Traditional Indigenous nourishment to urban Indigenous and non-Indigenous health conscience people while supporting Indigenous food sovereignty, culture and community.

Our goal is to nurture a deeper appreciation for Indigenous culture through culinary experiences & offer visitors an opportunity to learn about Indigenous ingredients through our dishes —

We offer delicious, organic, Indigenous, sustainable nourishment at Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe, 23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley, British Columbia from 10-5PM Wed-Sun, also Tradish Food Truck or you can order our Ja ms and bannock mix’s online!

ANCESTOR CAFE / TRADISH FOOD TRUCK / TRADISH PLANT MEDICINE / 2023 NOMZ GRANT RECIPIENT / FEATURED CHEF AT SPO7EZ FALL FEST 2023 / JOY OF FEEDING UBC & CHUCK & THE FIRST PEOPLES KITCHEN

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I am the daughter of a 60’s Scoop victim. My mother was stolen from her family and community by the Canadian government and fostered out to non indigenous family’s. She was a runaway by the age of 16.

She suffered so much because of these things and sadly she passed when I was only 12 years old.

I experienced homeless and addiction as a youth because of these things.

I had my son at 23 years old and he completely changed my life. I was not going to let him live the same childhood as me. I got my life together went to culinary school and live in a good way for my kids.

I know if I want my kids to grow up with a strong sence of culture and to believe in themselves, I have to live that way in my life too.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

We manufacture our line of 5 plant medicine Jams.

That’s actually how I started Tradish. I was in a business course in Native Education college and I was building my business plan. I was so excited to start I actually made my first Jam at that time. The Blueberry Lavender Jam.

I would go to cultural events like powwows and let the community try it. They loved it so I made 4 other flavors.

We had them lab tested and health authoritie approved within a couple months and they were market ready!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tradishcanada.ca
• Instagram: @tradishcanada
• Facebook: Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe/ Tradish Canada
• Linkedin: Sarah meconse mierau