An OKI Frybread story: who we are (the why)

HONORING TRUTH, FAMILY, CULTURE & COMMUNITY

We are OKI Frybread, a Blackfoot Indigenous-focused family business, centered on authentic Frybread excellence; proudly operating in traditional Blackfoot territory (Treaty 7). Our business is proudly owned by Nikkina (majority owner) from the Blood Tribe and their spouse, Suzana, an Indigenous ally. Nikkina and Suzana are also proud members of the queer community and ongoing advocates for diversity, inclusion and belonging.

For us, food is more than about filling our bellies or nourishing ourselves, it’s about honoring legacy, culture, and community. Food can be meaningful connections and precious moments. Frybread (aka fried Bannock), is a traditional Indigenous bread for many Indigenous people. However, the term Frybread may be unique to certain Indigenous folks and others may use the term Bannock interchangeable with the baked version. Frybread is the term Nikkina inherited and is meaningful part of Nikkina’s Indigenous identity shared with great care. Further relative to our business tagline “History Rising” Frybread is taking what started as ration ingredients and a means of survival during colonization to a place of celebration and connection. The tagline is punny too since the dough rises!

Nikkina was raised by their maternal grandparents-profound Elders, residential school survivors, and talented knowledge holders who introduced them to the love and power of food. Nikkina began cooking for others in a professional capacity as a prior youth worker, needing to support youth in learning how to cook and meal plan, which led to Nikkina to graduating from SAIT’s Professional Cooking program, years of culinary experience, business experience and today cooking for and owning OKI Frybread. OKI Frybread connects Nikkina’s talent in the kitchen with their Blackfoot culture and the legacy of their grandparents and beloved sister, Skye, the birth mother of Nikkina and Suzana’s children.

Skye was proud to be Blackfoot, relentless and unapologetic in expecting respect for Indigenous people and Blackfoot territory; an inspiration to Nikkina and Suzana. Skye was a passionate Jingle Dress dancer and now her and our daughter, is on her own dancing journey. Watching our daughter dance, we see Skye's spirit shine through. Skye also battled intergenerational trauma, racism, health issues, and was a victim of domestic violence. On one documented restraining order, an abuser was noted to have said to Skye: no one would miss you; you would just be another dead Indigenous woman. Tragically, she passed away soon after her son (our youngest) was born, having suffered extensive injuries from an assault days before her death. To date, no charges have been laid for the assault (nor past assaults). Her death was ruled a tragic overdose. Despite the many ways the system failed her—and continues to fail so many—Skye, like countless Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), deserves to have her story told and her legacy upheld with respect and dignity.

As an act of reconcilACTION (reconciliation) we ask that you also take a moment to learn more about people like Skye, who have been lost to this ongoing epidemic across Canada or to support reconciliation efforts feasible for you. This is part of facing the truth before reconciliation. Join the Moose Hide Campaign, read the report: https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/ and visit: https://www.mmeip.ca/ . Pleae stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities and injustice everywhere in anyway you can when safe to do so.

In raising Skye’s children, Nikkina and Suzana decided we wanted to share Frybread with them and show the kids and community an example of Blackfoot pride; something Skye was so good at. We want to honor Nikkina’s other ancestors, the grandparents who raised Nikkina regardless of adversity with love and culture as well as other family and community. Nikkina has always wanted to foster a healthy bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous community and OKI Frybread is a delicious way to do that, because sharing food is a natural bridge.  

HOW YOUR SUPPORT ALLOWS US TO GIVE BACK

With our Community Giveback initiative, it’s a heartfelt privilege and dream come true to build funding for community initiatives with a portion of OKI Frybread tips. Our first GIVEBACK is to support reserve gravesite maintenance (site TBD). To journey with OKI Frybread on our GIVEBACKS and more, check out okifrybread.ca or follow us of Facebook and Instagram.

Photo: Skye featured in Jingle Dress and a Jingle honor craft.