Indigenous Youth Artists Use AI to Creat Weekly Cookbook
WINNIPEG, Manitoba — A new online cookbook, Come Eat With Me Manitoba, is turning heads with its innovative fusion of traditional Manitoba cuisine, AI-generated art, and participatory media arts. The project, originally began in 2024 with funding from the Indigenous Agriculture Relationship and Engagement program with funding from Manitoba Agriculture — a key component of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The pilot program has since evolved from a simple food literacy initiative into a weekly series showcasing unique recipes and stunning food photography.
The new online cookbook features a different recipe each week, with every dish inspired by local ingredients and the rich culinary heritage of Manitoba. Indigenous youth and local artists have developed custom image generators and recipe validation tools, ensuring that every dish is not only visually captivating but also feasible for home cooks. “We wanted to go beyond using generic generative tools like ChatGPT,” said Jamie Bell, one of the project’s lead artists in Winnipeg. “The youth artists even developed their own AI image generator and recipe development systems using DALL E-3 so that our creations are uniquely made-in-Manitoba and accessible to everyone.”
The Winnipeg-based project emphasizes food security and sustainable food product development, combining digital storytelling with hands-on culinary experimentation. “This isn’t just about pretty pictures,” said Tony Eetak, a youth artist involved in the project. “We’re using AI art, photography, and participatory media arts to educate communities about food security and inspire creative cooking and recipe innovation. We want everyone to feel empowered to recreate these dishes in their own kitchens.”
The project has garnered praise from various sectors. The team extended its gratitude to the OpenAI Researcher Access Program for providing crucial support that allowed them to refine their custom AI tools. “OpenAI’s support has been instrumental in our journey,” noted Bell. “Their resources helped us push the boundaries of AI in recipe development and digital art, merging technology with traditional cooking in a way that celebrates both.”
Manitoba Recipes, AI Food Art & Indigenous Culinary Innovation – A Digital Cookbook for Food Security, Cooking Mastery, and Participatory Media Arts
Come Eat With Me Manitoba covers a wide range of culinary topics — from wild game and freshwater fish recipes to innovative dessert creations — all rooted in Manitoba’s local food culture. The series also explores elements of food security, digital literacy, and Indigenous storytelling, making it a comprehensive resource for cooking enthusiasts, food photographers, and digital artists alike.
As the weekly series continues to roll out new recipes and high-resolution AI-generated images, the project is poised to become a must-visit digital destination for those interested in modern cookbooks, culinary art, and innovative food product development. With its strong focus on participatory media arts and sustainable cooking practices, Come Eat With Me Manitoba sets a new standard for online cookbooks that blend technology, creativity, and tradition.
For more information and to explore each new recipe as it launches, visit the Come Eat With Me Manitoba website and join the conversation about food security, AI art, and local culinary excellence.
