Denia Baltzer Takes the Stage on Back to Roots
Denia Baltzer, a member of the Łııdlı̨ı̨ Kųę́ First Nation, is making her television debut as the co-host of Back to Roots on APTN. This new program explores Indigenous food, ingredients, and life experiences, and Baltzer is bringing her lifelong culinary skills to the show.
From Childhood to Catering
Baltzer, who began cooking at the age of eight, now owns a catering business near the Rocky Mountains in Alberta. On Back to Roots, she joins returning host Perry Omeasoo in foraging for wild ingredients such as berries, mushrooms, and herbs. The duo then transforms these natural finds into flavorful dishes while sharing personal stories about their food.
Reflecting on her background, Baltzer acknowledges the privilege of her upbringing. “I realized how fortunate I was to grow up the way I did,” she says. “In the North, there’s such a deep connection to our culture and living off the land, which we sometimes take for granted.”
Culinary Heritage and Family Influence
Baltzer’s culinary journey was shaped by her family. Her parents, skilled in creating appealing meals on a budget, inspired her love for hearty, traditional dishes. One of her fondest memories is making duck soup in the spring, a dish that holds a special place in her heart.
On the show, Baltzer aims to educate viewers about hunting, harvesting, and cooking with traditional Indigenous ingredients. She hopes to shift perceptions about Indigenous cuisine, which is often associated with processed and less nutritious foods due to historical food insecurities.
Addressing Food Insecurity
Statistics Canada reports that one-third of Indigenous people face food insecurity, a figure significantly higher than the general population. Baltzer emphasizes the need for a return to self-sustaining practices to combat the health issues linked to poor diet.
“The Canada Food Guide isn’t always practical for remote communities where fresh produce is scarce and expensive,” she explains. “It’s important for us to reconnect with traditional food practices to improve our health and well-being.”
Encouraging a Return to Tradition
Baltzer encourages viewers to engage in traditional food practices such as hunting and fishing to access nutritious and affordable food. “Most of the recipes I share on the show are simple and easy to make,” she says. “I hope they inspire curiosity and a desire to try these traditional methods.”
Back to Roots airs every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on APTN, featuring dishes like bison brisket, elk tenderloin, and yarrow mocktail. Baltzer’s work aims to revitalize Indigenous culinary traditions and foster a deeper connection to the land and culture.