Ian Gladue | Mitsoh

Now, this conversation is not for the faint of heart.

It’s a powerful and deeply personal look into Ian’s raw and profound path—one that starts and ends talking about Mitsoh’s delicious pemican strips (available in a grocery store near you)

but it’s the middle part, his telling of his turbulent past and inspirations along the way, that will have you glued to your ear buds.

Ian’s vision goes beyond sharing authentic Indigenous food;

it’s about reclaiming cultural identity, creating opportunities for his community, and becoming the best human he can be.

Let’s get into it. And just a heads-up—this episode is not family-friendly.

The future of food starts f*** right now.

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Here’s a summary of this interview:

Call for Indigenous Representation in Grocery Stores – Ian advocates for a dedicated Indigenous food category in mainstream retailers to celebrate First Nations culture and cuisine.

Mitzoh’s Mission – The brand focuses on restoring and sharing traditional Indigenous foods, such as dry meat and pemmican, which predate colonial influences in Canada.

Overcoming Adversity – Ian’s journey includes homelessness, incarceration, and struggles with addiction before finding his calling in food entrepreneurship.

A Passion for Cooking – From childhood, Ian had a love for cooking, which eventually helped him transition from street life to building a successful food business.

Indigenous Foods in Mainstream Markets – Starting with a small food cart, Ian navigated challenges to scale Mitzoh into major retailers, proving the demand for traditional Indigenous foods.

Innovation in Indigenous Cuisine – Mitzoh is expanding its product line with pemmican bites, cranberry-infused variations, and a new push for traditional Bannock in mainstream stores.

Resilience and Entrepreneurial Spirit – Ian leveraged his street smarts and determination to overcome business obstacles, even when faced with financial and regulatory challenges.

Community Impact – His work has inspired others in Indigenous communities to pursue their own food ventures and reclaim their cultural food traditions.

Collaboration and Growth – Partnering with Range Road Meats Co. enabled Mitzoh to scale from 35 stores to over 600 locations, demonstrating the power of strategic business alliances.

A Legacy in the Making – Ian sees himself as the first Indigenous entrepreneur to break these barriers but is committed to ensuring he won’t be the last, fostering opportunities for future generations.