Safeway is proud to support local growers and producers as part of our commitment to ensuring that great Canadian products are always on our shelves. With roots right here in Edmonton, Alberta, Ian Gladue, CEO of Pânsâwân, knows just what it means to be a Safeway supplier. Available in select Safeway and Sobeys stores in Edmonton, Pânsâwân offers a unique dry meat product that was once used to sustain indigenous people through Canadian winters – but remains a popular (and tasty!) snack today.
Ian Gladue grew up in Treaty 8 Territory in northern Alberta. Bigstone Cree Nation was his home, and his family roots remained close to heart as he moved across the province. As a chef, it was always important for Ian to keep traditional food on his menu. Ian started Native Delights First Nations Cuisine in Edmonton and received an outpour of community support – but felt there was a limit to how authentic his restaurant menu could be, and he knew he wanted do more.
“I wanted to do something new and bring a more traditional food experience to the market,” says Ian. “I wanted to share the foods of my ancestors; the first foods of Canada.” And thus, Pânsâwân was born. After much trial and error, Ian and his team began producing their authentic First Nations product for consumers in 2015.
Traditionally smoked, 100% Alberta-farmed bison
Pânsâwân (pronounced “bahn-sa-wan”) means “thinly sliced meat” in Cree. Thousands of years ago, indigenous communities would prepare thin strips of lean wild meat for drying and smoking.
Pânsâwân dry meat is made from only two ingredients: locally-sourced, humanely-raised Alberta bison, and smoke – nothing else. Ian sets his local company apart by keeping the product as close to its origins as possible. “It took us a long time to bring our traditional meat smoking process up to today’s food standards,” Ian explains. “Using modern equipment and technology, we believe we have replicated the method of hanging meat racks over a smoking fire almost exactly.”
A proud partnership
Ian knew Safeway and Sobeys were the obvious partner choice simply based on our commitment to local communities across western Canada.
“A company that is willing to give a chance to local producers is a company that truly cares about the food they sell and their local community,” said Ian. “It feels like we’ve made it into the big leagues for food – and we are very excited to be on your shelves.”
With our support, Pânsâwân has been able to revive, restore and contribute to the preservation of First Nations cuisine and culture. Since partnering, Pânsâwân has seen a steady incline in sales across western Canada. Not only is Pânsâwân now readily available for long-time fans, but in-store demos have allowed Ian to introduce his product to new customers that otherwise may never come across it. It’s a win-win all around!
Be sure to check out Pânsâwân the next time you stop by your local Edmonton Safeway store, and stay tuned to Safeway Talks for more Safeway Local Supplier Spotlights!
