#87: First Nations, Drag Kings, and Bacon - Heat Laliberte | The Food, Conflict, and Unity Series

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Episode Description

Who doesn’t love bacon? Today we sat down with Heat Laliberte, the owner and founder of One Arrow Meats, a Vancouver-based, small-batch, hand-cured, naturally smoked, hormone-free bacon company. One Arrow is more than just bacon. It represents Heat’s indigenous heritage, striving and achieving goals, and overcoming obstacles.

Spending his childhood in Saskatchewan, the Cree-Metis Chef has called Vancouver home since 2002. After a youth that consisted of running away, racism, and struggling with his identity as a trans man, Heat found a strong sense of family amongst the LGTBQ+ community in Davie Village. Starting as a line cook, Heat would go on to working in the kitchen of top hotels and starting his own business venture.

Throughout his life, Heat has been on a journey to find himself, come to terms with his identity, achieve more, and cook delicious food. One Arrow opened the door to reconnect with his heritage and his family.

Show Notes

Historical Roots: Before telling us his own story, Heat tells us about his ancestors, the Cree and Metis people.
Childhood: As a young kid Heat found out about his heritage. He struggled with racism, his adoptive mom struggles with mental health and guilt.
Identity: At the early age of four, Heat realized he was born in the wrong body. Feeling like he had no one to talk to, he kept it to himself.
Aldergrove: Navigating a new town can be hard, especially when you don’t feel welcome, but there is always the potential to meet someone special.
Moving Out: As tensions with his mom escalated, there was only one clear option: to leave.
Davie Village Drag: Heat finally arrived at a place where he felt like he could stop running. He felt accepted and would soon discover a new passion.
Troupe: As Heat explored his new passion he found family, friendships, and ways to take power back.
Moxie’s: While very few people get excited over being a line cook, Heat took the opportunity to learn as much as he could, opening up doors for him.
Loss: Have you ever had a dream and wonder if it means something? Heat shares a dream he had in 2007 and the loss that came along with it.
Coping: Like most people in his 20’s Heat partied the night away, but at that point, everything was solely a distraction.
Charcuterie: Working at the Fairmont provided Heat with more than just a wage.
Outed: Heat meets a figure from his past who discloses information about him in the Fairmont kitchen.
Brewing the Beast: As Heat regained his confidence and started taking opportunities, he began to shine.
Aboriginal Business: Heat decided to take a chance after seeing a Facebook ad. It would be the beginning of something great.
One Arrow: With the confidence of winning the best presentation, Heat decided to start his venture. It started off with small, low stakes.
Reconnecting: One Arrow had reconnected him with his heritage but now it was time to take the next step and search for his family.
Advice: Heat shares with us some last words of wisdom.