Denia Baltzer

Chef | Culinary Entrepreneur | Indigenous Food Advocate

Chef Denia Baltzer, of Dene and Cree descent, brings the earthy, home flavors of Northern Canada to her culinary creations. Raised in a community where food is deeply connected to heritage, Denia’s approach to cooking merges the wisdom of her Indigenous upbringing with a modern passion for creating beautiful, approachable dishes. For her, food is not only nourishment but a form of medicine that bridges culture and wellness.

In the early 2000s, Denia moved with her young family to the foothills of the Rocky
Mountains in Alberta, Canada. It was here that Denia and her husband embraced hunting as a way to pass on her heritage to their children, ensuring that they would grow up with a deep appreciation for traditional Indigenous cuisine.

With a commitment to celebrating these ancestral flavors, Denia founded Creative Cuisine Catering 16 years ago in Rocky Mountain House. The catering company has been a
platform for her to share her love of food and culture with others, while building a loyal community of clients who appreciate her dedication to quality and authenticity. Denia’s passion for cooking and cultural storytelling also led to her role as the host of Back to Roots, a cooking show on APTN that showcases food prepared with ingredients that are hunted and foraged. Many of the dishes on the show are inspired by traditional Indigenous foods, connecting viewers with the beauty of Indigenous culinary practices.

Denia is committed to promoting Indigenous food culture and her work has been featured in Culinaire Magazine and Avenue Magazine, and has previously been recognized as a featured Chef at the Oregon Truffle Festival.