Weyburn has been recognizing culture in the city since mid-September with the ongoing Culture Days Celebration. One virtual event part of this year's lineup is a video series on cultural comfort foods. Settlement Advisor for Southeast Advocates in Weyburn, Helen Crocombe, describes the ties between food and culture.
“Food plays a key role in culture by connecting people to the heritage, traditions, and shared history.”
Food is reflective of culture as it demonstrates the appetites and methods of the cook, however Crocombe says it also impacts the community it surrounds.
“Cultural foods strengthen communities by promoting, understanding, offering diverse flavors, and celebrating cultural diversity.”
She explains that these foods adapt to locally available ingredients as different cultural groups move to different areas of the world. She says it results in unique versions of the traditional dishes. As culture diversifies, communities adapt through expanding available ingredients.
Crocombe explains the many opportunities to experience various cultural foods in the community.
“People can explore cultural foods at events like Culture Days hosted by the City of Weyburn or at the Our Taste of Nations event, which will take place in September next year. Additionally, dining at various cultural restaurants in Weyburn offers great opportunities to experience these flavors.”
She encourages anyone with the opportunity to try the different cultural foods found around the community.
“I feel that we could all benefit from experiencing different traditional dishes from different places.”