TOP HONOUR RECIPIENT [Sunday June 17 2007]
Andrew George Jr. is giving aboriginal youth the recipe for success. Born in Smithers, George became an award-winning chef, wrote his own cookbook and worked in some of the finest kitchens in B.C., including the Chateau Whistler Resort and the Four Seasons hotel in Vancouver. But George left the four-star restaurants and cooking competitions for a life of service to youth. Now he works at Kla-how-eya Aboriginal Centre in Whalley, promoting aboriginal culture and ensuring the kids he teaches are success stories unto themselves. As culinary teacher at Kla-how-eya he’s sharing a lifetime of cooking knowledge with the students. His own early experience with cooking was preparing traditional native dishes from a young age. “I love teaching because it’s giving the knowledge that was given to me at one time.” George says his job at Kla-how-eya is hard work and a change from the previous jobs he’s held. “It’s a little different. But very rewarding.”
He’s witnessed quite a few success stories while teaching at Kla-how-eya, including one young man who was living on the streets. Since his time in Kla-how-eya’s cooking program he’s now well on his way to a successful career as a chef. George says through cooking he’s teaching it’s important to have goals, but also to remember your past and recognize your heritage. “I’m trying to teach these youth always remember where you came from.” Since August 2006, George has been guiding students into their own culinary careers as a part of the cooking program, which also works with Douglas College and Vancouver Community College to ensure students get a well rounded education. He’s flattered he’s been labelled a mentor “It means a lot actually,” he says. “It’s the opportunity to change people’s lives to the positive and give them an opportunity.”
One of our Kla-how-eya Culinary Arts graduating students, Gloria Wilson, won the “HSBC Bank of Canada Aboriginal Scholarship 2007″. Gloria is excelling in the culinary arts program at VCC. Gloria desires to continue towards her Red Seal Certification as a Chef.
The ceremonies were held at the VCC Broadway Campus on Friday November 16, 2007 to celebrate the award recipients achievements. Chef Andrew George and Melaney Gleeson-Lyall attended the ceremonies to encourage Gloria on her journey
Her whole family was also in attendance, some came from Hazelton, BC.
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