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Wanderluster

Our Impact

Emerging Issues

 Outdoor enthusiasts and the ecotourism industry lack access to sustainable, nutritious meal and snack options that reflect Indigenous food practices while addressing growing concerns about food waste and environmental impact. Many current market offerings rely on highly processed ingredients, non-eco-friendly packaging, and unsustainable sourcing methods, contributing to health and environmental challenges

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OUR MISSION

At Maskwa Backcountry Foods, we are dedicated to crafting sustainable, nutritious, and delicious outdoor meals and snacks. Our mission is to honor Indigenous food practices while promoting sustainability through responsible sourcing and reducing food waste. Join us on a culinary journey that nourishes both body and soul.

Our Goals

We are actively reducing food waste by collaborating with suppliers to salvage and transform suboptimal ingredients into premium dried foods, addressing a critical industry issue.

By introducing nutrient-rich Indigenous flavours and ingredients, like amino acids from seeds and beans, into snack foods for elementary-aged children, we can foster healthier eating habits early on.

We are working to address a significant issue within Indigenous communities, where unhealthy food options are often more accessible than nutritious ones.

The goal is to partner with industries such as outdoor tourism, Indigenous communities, schools, and community centers to make these snacks available through school programs and community events, ultimately empowering youth and their communities to make healthier food choices.

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Our Ingredients 

​​At the heart of our mission is the use of traditional ingredients like Saskatoon berries, a true complete source of nutrition. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, these berries have long been valued by Indigenous communities for their health benefits. By incorporating them into our products, we're not only connecting to these traditions but also helping to address nutritional challenges faced by Indigenous people, particularly children.​

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Sunflower Seeds and Oils

  • Rich in healthy fats, especially polyunsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk.

  • High in vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells.

  • Contain linoleic acid, benefiting cardiovascular health.

  • Sustainable to grow, requiring less water and adaptable to various climates.

Chia Seeds

  • Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and micronutrients.

  • High fiber aids digestion, promotes satiety, and supports weight management.

  • Anti-inflammatory properties due to omega-3s.

  • Thrive with minimal water and in poor soil, making them sustainable.

Hemp Hearts

  • Nutrient-dense, with high-quality protein, omega-3 & 6, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium.

  • Support heart health by improving cholesterol and reducing inflammation.

  • Sustainable, requiring little pesticide use and enhancing soil health.

Mushrooms

  • Low in calories but rich in B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and antioxidants.

  • Boost immune function and have anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Can be grown on agricultural waste, promoting sustainability.

Apples, Saskatoon Berries, Cherries, and Pumpkin

  • Apples: High in fiber, support gut health.

  • Saskatoon Berries: Rich in antioxidants, support heart health.

  • Cherries: Contain anti-inflammatory anthocyanins.

  • Pumpkin: High in beta-carotene, supporting eye health.

  • All require less water when grown sustainably.

Sugar Substitutes (Maple Syrup and Honey)

  • Maple Syrup: Contains minerals like manganese and zinc.

  • Honey: Has antimicrobial properties.

  • Both have lower glycemic indexes than regular sugar but should be consumed in moderation and can be sustainably sourced.

Oat Flour

  • Retains the nutritional benefits of oats, helping lower cholesterol.

  • Gluten-free, suitable for those with gluten intolerance.

  • Grown with fewer pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

Aminos

  • Contain essential amino acids for protein synthesis without preservatives.

  • Enhance flavor with less sodium when used sparingly.

Vegan Egg Alternatives

  • Provide binding properties similar to eggs, are cholesterol-free, and lower in saturated fat.

  • Contribute to plant-based diets, which have a lower environmental impact than animal farming.

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