Aunties:
Culinary Excellence with Heart
"Our vision is to be the premier catering service in the National Capital Region, merging culinary art with community impact and a commitment to reconciliation."— Karen Smith, Founder & CEO of Aunties
At the heart of the National Capital Region, Aunties stands as a beacon of Indigenous excellence and culinary innovation.
Karen Smith, whose impressive 25-year executive-level public service career at Indigenous Services Canada, has launched Aunties to embody her Algonquin Anishinabe roots and her dream of taking up meaningful space in the business and culinary world.
Since its inception in 2023, Aunties has been more than a catering company; it is a symbol of community and cultural pride and a testament to Karen's lifelong passion for cooking and baking—a passion that's been meticulously perfected over two decades alongside her commendable career.
Karen's journey with Aunties is interwoven with personal growth and professional aspiration, aiming to establish Aunties as the leading Indigenous-owned caterer in the region. This is a space where her daughters and community witness the rich blend of Indigenous values and business acumen, crafting a legacy of empowerment and inspiring excellence.
Her vision for Aunties extends beyond providing top-tier culinary services; it's about creating a caring space where every meal is welcoming adding an opportunity for Indigenous cultural education., and every client engagement is a step towards a larger goal— claiming space with dignity and purpose.
Aunties Logo
Representing Our Values & Aspirations
The Aunties logo is a story—a tapestry of Indigenous heritage, family bonds, and a commitment to community wellness. Each element, from the intricately designed 'A' to the colours chosen, tells a narrative of respect for tradition, love for family, and hope for unity.
Tipi in the 'A': The design of the letter "A" mirrors the shape of a tipi. In the Algonquin Anishinaabe culture, the tipi is not just a structure but a symbol of home, family, and community. It represents unity, each pole telling a story and working together to provide shelter. Traditionally, tipis have been spaces for storytelling, teaching, and coming together as a community. It signifies warmth, security, and the circle of life.
Swoosh Path: The large swoosh around the tipi signifies a path leading into the tipi—a welcoming trail that invites everyone into a space of culture, community, fun, laughter, healing, and delicious food. Aunties' vision is that belonging, home and nourishment are felt when seeing the brand and when seeing, smelling, touching and tasting the food.
Tulips, Leaves and Circles: The emblem consists of two tulips from the same bushel, arching lovingly over the logo. These tulips represent Founder Karen Smith's two daughters. The leaves, fresh and vibrant, represent healing and rejuvenation from the earth. They form a protective arch, emphasizing the values of nurturing, family and community.
Colour Symbolism: Green symbolizes freshness, life, and happiness reflecting the liveliness and energy of ourcommunity. Plum is linked to sacredness and spirituality,reminding us that our work in building Aunties is sacred. And orange represents our creativity, innovation, and the feeling of comfort.
Four Circles: The four circles on the icon symbolize the principles of the Indigenous Medicine Wheel, highlighting the significance of comprehensive well-being. Each distinct circle mirrors an aspect of well-being: emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental. Beyond this, the circles signify the cardinal directions symbolizing the coming together of diverse communities. Additionally, they mirror the cycle of the four seasons, each offering distinct gifts of sustenance.
The Aunties logo serves as a reminder of the strength in unity, the power of traditions, and the warmth of home.
