Marie-Cecile (Cezin) Nottaway-Wawatie

Chef and Owner, Wawatay Catering
Chef Training and Culinary Management – Class of 2004

From growing up on the land, to being recently featured in the New York Times, Marie-Cecile Kakgoosh Nottaway-Wawatie comes from a long line of strong Anishinaabe First Nations women. As the founder and owner of the successful Wawatay Catering, Cezin, as she is known, runs her business from the First Nations community of Kitigan Zibi. Wawatay Catering specializes in Anishinaabe cuisine with a modern twist, inspired by recipes from her family.

Cezin’s career began as a chef at various restaurants and at the Wanaki Healing Centre. With an entrepreneurial drive, Cezin began to pursue her ambitions on the side and started her own catering company while still working full time.

In the early days of her career, Cezin used her work ethic and drive as a key factor in her success. She knew it wouldn’t be easy — especially with her children to care for and her husband pursuing medical school — but she persevered and, in 2011, established Wawatay Catering. Cezin and Wawatay have catered for many notable people and high-profile events, including former Governor General Michaëlle Jean, a crowd of 200 for Indigenous Day at city hall and Canada’s 150th anniversary on Parliament Hill.

Cezin is part of a new generation of Canadian chefs who are reclaiming and popularizing Indigenous foods as part of a growing culinary affirmation of identity. By combining traditional ways with a contemporary flair, Cezin is introducing Algonquin recipes to a whole new generation of Canadians.