Cindy Allard

My name is Cindy Allard, and I am a proud Red River Métis woman. I was raised in the heart of St. Boniface, Winnipeg, but my roots reach back to the rich Métis communities of St. Ambroise and St. Laurent, Manitoba—two places nestled along the southern shores of Lake Manitoba, where the land and water have long sustained our people.

My story is deeply connected to the traditions and values passed down through generations. My father is a commercial fisherman, a true steward of the lake, who continues to fish, hunt, and once spent many years trapping—living in harmony with the land and carrying forward the knowledge of our ancestors. My mother, equally grounded in Métis ways, could cook anything my dad brought home from the land or lake. She grew the biggest gardens I’ve ever seen, and from her I learned the art of canning and preserving, a skill that is as much about care and community as it is about food.

Together, my parents taught me the meaning of hard work, resilience, and pride in who we are as Métis people. Their way of life, rooted in respect for the land and love for family, continues to guide me in everything I do.

Those early lessons shaped who I am today. I carry that same love for the land and for sharing what it provides. Each year, beginning in early March, I grow every hot pepper from seed right in my home. From there, I harvest, create, and can every batch by hand. My passion for spice—and for bringing people together through food—has inspired me to craft products you simply can’t buy anywhere else. Every jar reflects my Métis roots, my love for homegrown ingredients, and my belief that food is meant to be shared.

For me, canning isn’t just about preserving food—it’s about preserving culture, connection, and creativity, one jar at a time.