So nice, she graduated from Assiniboine twice.

Aaliyah Dominique-Taylor has been a culinary enthusiast from a young age. What started as time with her mom in the kitchen, cooking the Christmas turkey, has evolved into being responsible for the pies and sweets at family gatherings. Thanks to her training from Assiniboine, they are coveted additions and a testament to her passion for the art of cooking.

Aaliyah graduated from the Culinary Arts program in 2021, and completed her Baking Foundations program the following year. Both programs were delivered at the Manitoba Institute for Culinary Arts at Assiniboine‘s North Hill campus.

Her most unforgettable moment in the industry came this September, and is going to be hard to top – Aaliyah entered the culinary spotlight when she appeared on the popular cooking show, “Chuck and the First Peoples Kitchen.” The show’s host, Chef Chuck Hughes, travels to Indigenous communities from Quebec to Saskatchewan to interview Indigenous people and learn about their traditional recipes and ancestral hunting and fishing techniques.

On the show, Aaliyah was part of a demonstration on how to traditionally cook bison. Bison was a staple in her culture for generations, and she was fortunate to share the rich culinary traditions of her people with a wider audience. Using a mix of traditional methods and culinary skills gained through her education at the college, Aaliyah cooked the tongue of the bison, and presented it to the show’s host, Chuck, who was amazed by her expertise and the delicious flavour of the dish.

Aaliyah’s journey to the culinary world hadn’t come without its intimidations. She recalled her high school days when the prospect of going to college felt daunting.

I remember when I was in high school, I was scared to go to college. I was filled with so much anxiety and fear, making myself think I wasn’t going to make friends, I was going to be the worst one in my class

However, her fears dissipated on her first day of college during the orientation. A friendly classmate leaned over and asked, "Are you scared too?"

Aaliyah's anxiety and fear melted away as they connected over their shared apprehensions. Both young and fresh out of high school, they had both moved away from their families for the first time.

Her new classmate, she learned, was also Indigenous, and their friendship marked the beginning of a transformative journey for Aaliyah. She learned that college was not only about education but also about building lifelong friendships and creating unforgettable memories. Aaliyah's culinary pursuits thrived in this supportive environment, where her passion for cooking blossomed.

Aaliyah’s family is always eager to savour her delicious creations. Her signature pies, cookies, and cheesecakes have become family favorites. Baking, in particular, has become her forté, and she takes immense pride in sharing her skills with her loved ones.

Aaliyah's appearance on "Chuck and the First Peoples Kitchen" feels like it is just the beginning of her journey. She knew that she had a unique opportunity to promote the traditions and flavors of her heritage, and she was determined to continue sharing her passion with the world. As she looks back on her college journey, she has a piece of advice for those who were afraid to take the leap into higher education.

Don’t be scared to do what you love because you could be making history

Aaliyah Dominique-Taylor is certainly making her mark, not just as a two-time college graduate, but also as a culinary artist dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage through her delectable creations.