Kitchen Manito-Waya was founded in 2025 by Chef James Dickson, a proud member of One Arrow First Nation and a seasoned culinary professional with nearly two decades of experience in kitchens across Winnipeg.
Launched from courage, creativity, and connection, Kitchen Manito-Waya was built on one simple idea: food should bring people together — with respect for culture, quality ingredients, and authentic care in every dish.
From sunrise breakfasts and corporate luncheons to private celebrations and large-scale community gatherings, we bring heart, flavour, and reliability to every event.
Our mission is to make every guest feel seen, every meal memorable, and every bite worth coming back for.
Chef James’s journey to Kitchen Manito-Waya is rooted in both lived experience and leadership.
After nearly a decade managing Winnipeg kitchens — including his time as Executive Chef for a local non-profit catering company serving thousands of meals each week to community programs — he developed a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver consistent, high-quality food with purpose.
Raised in a family of artists and cultural leaders — his mother a hoop dancer and his uncle a musician and actor — James learned early that food, like art, is storytelling.
That spirit guides Kitchen Manito-Waya today: we strive to honour tradition with continuous learning, while embracing innovation, creating dishes that feel familiar yet fresh, rooted yet refined.
Our menus celebrate both tradition and creativity. You’ll find Indigenous-inspired recipes alongside modern favourites, all crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
We believe in the power of food to nourish both body and spirit — whether it’s a comforting stew that reminds you of home or a new flavour that sparks curiosity.
Every event is unique, and so are our menus. We customize each experience to fit your tastes, dietary preferences, and budget.
Big or small, recurring or one-time — if it matters to you, it matters to us.
At Kitchen Manito-Waya, we combine professional reliability with cultural respect and genuine hospitality.
We’re a team that shows up prepared, cooks with heart, and takes pride in every plate.
We’re not just catering food — we’re sharing stories, supporting communities, and learning every day how to blend heritage with modern hospitality.
Come taste the difference that passion, respect, and purpose bring to the table.
Copyright © 2026 Kitchen Manito-Waya - All Rights Reserved.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.