The Caldwell First Nation is making a huge towards elevating Indigenous tourism in the region by securing culinary powerhouse, Chef Bill Alexander.

Chef Bill Alexander looks forward to bringing his extensive experience as a world-renowned Indigenous chef to Caldwell First Nation as they embark on an ambitious path that seeks to place the Nation as a powerhouse in economic development, culinary, and tourism.

The founding chair of Indigenous Culinary Association of Nations, the Indigenous food development chef for WestJet, and regular Indigenous expert on the Marilyn Denis Show, The Social, Your Morning and ETalk will be leading the rebrand and renovation of Caldwell First Nation’s restaurant (formerly “The Happy Snapper”).

Chef Alexander is a Cordon Bleu trained chef who has extensive global experience. His desire to share Indigenous culture through his specialization and understanding of Indigenous cuisine has garnered global recognition and acclaim. His desire to return home to Ontario, where he grew up farming, trading, fishing, and hunting and where his “land to food” foundation was really inspired connected him with the Economic Development Office at Caldwell.

“It felt like the creator guided me right to this very point and I knew immediately that this was something truly special ,” stated Chef Billy, when he explained how he ended up connecting with the nation. “They were looking for a consultant, and had reached out via the Culinary Tourism Alliance, and after hearing about the scope of the projects they will be working on, their passion and enthusiasm, and how the way they wanted to tell food stories aligned with my value system, I knew this was the sense of community that felt like home to me.”

Chef Bill says he was inspired by the dreams and visions of Caldwell First Nation and excited to help create a must visit Indigenous culinary hotspot for such a forward thinking First Nation. He will be moving with his partner and daughter to Leamington this summer to take on the position of Project Manager and Executive Chef of the new establishment.

The restaurant’s new name, logo, and menu are in the works with input from Chief, Council, and the Caldwell Nation and are hoping to be announced by the end of the summer. The new design and food offerings will feature beautifully-plated Indigenous fusion food and specialty options with fresh, locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients, scenic views of the marina, and live entertainment. Renovations will soon be underway and the grand opening is scheduled for early 2021.