MUSQUEAM TERRITORY/RICHMOND, B.C. — Vancouver’s only Indigenous restaurant, Salmon n’ Bannock, has opened at Vancouver International Airport (YVR), marking the first Indigenous restaurant in a Canadian airport.
At its helm is Inez Cook, co-founder and owner of Salmon n’ Bannock and a member of northern B.C.’s Nuxalk Nation and a Sixties Scoop survivor. Prior to co-founding the restaurant in 2010, Cook was a flight attendant for 33 years and was based out of YVR for 25 years.
Salmon n’ Bannock will offer fresh, authentic Indigenous cuisine, such as Feel the Beet Salad and Urban Salmon Burger. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and will feature works from Cook’s Indigenous artist friends.
“I am thrilled to be bringing Salmon n’ Bannock to a world-class airport and proudly showcasing my heritage in the form of food with travellers from around the world to enjoy,” says Cook. “Our new location at YVR feels like a fitting extension of my two loves: travel and food.”
“Salmon n’ Bannock is a long-standing stakeholder of Indigenous Tourism BC and to see them open their second location at YVR is an inspiring and a significant milestone,” says Brenda Baptiste, Chair of Indigenous Tourism BC. “This important addition to YVR’s roster of restaurants acknowledges the power of unique perspectives, accountability and a shared vision to support the development of a sustainable Indigenous tourism economy, thus supporting the economic recovery of B.C.”
“We are incredibly delighted that Inez has chosen to open a Salmon n’ Bannock location at YVR. Travellers are now able to enjoy more fresh, locally made Indigenous food in the terminal or take it as grab-and-go for their aircraft journey,” says Tamara Vrooman, president & CEO, Vancouver Airport Authority. “At YVR, we continue to connect travellers with the taste of British Columbia’s diverse and exciting flavours, showcasing the best of our region through food, hospitality and service. The introduction of Salmon n’ Bannock is a step forward on our journey of reconciliation and the recognition of the importance and desire to have indigenous-run businesses at YVR.”
