Indigenous Business series: Cedar Feast House

The Indigenous business series brings together voices from majority-owned/controlled (51% or more) by Indigenous peoples’ businesses that have worked with UBC. The series is a short interview with the Indigenous Business to hear their experience and perspective with the procurement process and working with UBC.

The series intends to help increase supplier diversity opportunities for Indigenous businesses and improve inclusion of Indigenous suppliers in upcoming work at UBC.

Cedar Feast House, Indigenous Caterer

We had the opportunity to speak with Theresa, owner at Cedar Feast House Catering Limited to hear her experience working with UBC.

Cedar Feast House Catering Limited specializes in providing authentic Indigenous cuisine, showcasing the rich flavors and traditions of Indigenous culture. Known for its commitment to quality and cultural integrity, the company offers a diverse menu featuring signature dishes like bison burgers and traditional stews. With a focus on community engagement and cultural education, Cedar Feast House Catering creates meaningful dining experiences that celebrate Indigenous heritage while fostering connections through food.

Can you share your experience doing business with UBC?

We’ve had several positive experiences while providing our Indigenous cuisine at UBC. One standout feature is how understanding and helpful the UBC community is when it comes to navigating the campus. As a non-UBC business, maneuvering such a large and complex space can be challenging, but the support we received made it much easier. Another highlight has been the smooth handling of invoices. The efficiency and clarity in the financial processes have made collaborating with UBC stress-free and seamless. We also appreciate the idea of expanding our offerings, such as introducing a food truck or trailer to serve our signature bison burgers on campus. We believe this would be a great way to share Indigenous cuisine with the UBC community in a more dynamic and accessible way.

How can UBC improve our Indigenous procurement process? Were there any challenges?

Overall, we haven’t encountered any significant issues with UBC’s Indigenous procurement process. However, one area for improvement could be providing better support for navigating the campus. As UBC is quite large and complex, it would be helpful to have a detailed map or specific guidance tailored for caterers and external vendors to simplify logistics. Another potential improvement could be offering more networking opportunities for Indigenous vendors. Hosting events or workshops to connect vendors with UBC faculty and departments and other businesses could encourage collaboration and provide insights into campus needs, helping Indigenous suppliers better align their services with UBC’s goals.

Do you have any advice for people at UBC who want to work with Indigenous Businesses? What advice would you give to Indigenous businesses who want to work with UBC?

For people at UBC to effectively work with Indigenous businesses, fostering open and respectful communication is essential. Take the time to reach out and build relationships by being transparent about your needs, timelines, and expectations. This not only ensures smooth collaboration but also demonstrates genuine respect. Additionally, learning about the cultural significance of the products or services offered by Indigenous businesses can help align your goals with their values and foster a deeper connection. Simplifying processes, such as providing clear instructions and logistical support like campus maps, can make it easier for Indigenous businesses to navigate working with a large institution like UBC. Finally, prioritize building long-term partnerships rather than focusing solely on one-off transactions, as this creates trust and encourages greater engagement.

For Indigenous businesses looking to work with UBC, understanding the university’s needs is a great starting point. Research their procurement processes and tailor your offerings to align with their goals, such as sustainability and community engagement. Networking is also key—attend UBC-hosted events or workshops to connect with staff and other vendors, as building strong relationships can open doors for collaboration. Given the size and complexity of the UBC campus, plan logistics in advance and request resources like maps or guidance to ensure smooth operations. Additionally, emphasize the unique value of your products or services by sharing your story and showcasing how your work aligns with UBC’s values, such as cultural diversity or economic reconciliation. Finally, remain open to feedback and be adaptable, as this mindset can strengthen your partnership and pave the way for long-term success