The summer kitchen at Keremeos Grist Mill was turned into a television set for five days last week.
Tracey Kim Bonneau hosted and acted as lead producer for the filming of two episodes of her aboriginal cooking series called “Wild Food” on the mill grounds.
The episodes will form part of a 13 part series called “Quest out West”, which Producer Suzan Derkson said will be “a mixture of adventure, fishing and hunting in the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys.
Wild Food, a series created by Bonneau, discusses aboriginal foods and their place in history, culture and modern times. The show airs on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN).
Bonneau is a member and resident of the Penticton Indian Band and well-known as an award winning independent broadcast journalist, director, writer producer and storyteller.
“Tracey developed the premise for this show over five years,|” said Derkson in between takes on the set on May 1.
“She’s so knowledgeable about what to look for in the wild in terms of what is food and what isn’t.” Derkson said a Syilx version of the show is also planned.
Grist Mill Manager Chris Mathieson tried his hand at second career, working alongside Bonneau as she discussed wild berries and how to harvest and prepare them. He was enthusiastic about having the television crew use the site.
“It’s been busy, but great to have them here,” he said, noting the summer-like weather late last week, “it’s great exposure for us.”
