Speakers, Chefs & Trainers

Heather Nakehk’o
Heather grew up in Sycamore, Illinois, then began exploring the world. She landed
in Yellowknife, NT where she raised her family for the last 22 years. These experiences
shaped her perspective on food as a means of community building, cultural expression,
wellness and cultural preservation. Food is something that brought people together,
no matter where in the world she found herself.
Her professional experience as a public servant as well as a founding member of Dene
Nahjo, whose vision is land, language, culture, forever; have honed her skills in
collaborative leadership and support, leading teams, project management, analysis,
time management, independent decision making, and strategic planning.
Her work, no matter the job, is rooted in family and community. Food is medicine, love,
art, culture, and ceremony, and builds healthy families, communities, and land.
Heather is currently attending the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts Grand Diploma
Culinary and Baking and Pastry Arts Program.