Ginger Auger
Owner, Ginger’s Bannock House
CLASS OF 2022
, AGE 43
Of Ginger Auger, one of this year’s nominators says, “Ginger is a beautiful human being – inside and out. Her strength to change the narrative of what it means to be an Indigenous person is empowering.
And also, those doughnuts chef’s kiss.” Owner of Ginger’s Bannock House, Ginger took time out of her busy schedule to chat with YMM about her business as it is currently, and her hopes for her business in the future.
YMM: What is the most rewarding part of your career?
GA: I have made my dream come true of helping others and preparing delicious food from my culture and heritage: Métis. I have an Indigenous Catering company that employs mostly persons in recovery. I’ve started from literally nothing. Now with the amazing support in Wood Buffalo, my business is thriving from local support. I’m looking to grow and hire more people within the community! It’s amazing when I see my staff move on, sober and confident to be successful in life.
YMM: What keeps you in Fort McMurray?
GA: I love how Fort McMurray is a big community, yet it has a sense of family unity. There is amazing support from everyone. I’ve grown so much in many aspects of my life; business supports, amazing indigenous community elders and members, recovery family and many families I connect with through my children.
YMM: What is the best advice that you ever received?
GA: Have faith that it will all work out! Always do the right thing. Even when no one is looking!
YMM: How would friends and acquaintances describe you?
GA: Fearless, kind, focused, a champion, genuine, humorous, loving, hardworking, humble warrior, visionary.
YMM: What is the biggest challenge you’ve taken on this year?
GA: Taking my business to the next step. I’ve shared my big dream of having a culinary/life skills training centre for people in recovery. Especially, indigenous who struggle with intergenerational trauma like myself.
YMM: What is one challenge you’d like to tackle in 2023?
GA: Set up a training program within Ginger’s Bannock House! Based on healing and support for recovery and independence.
