A Trail food trailer brings together food, family and tradition
For more than 20 years, residents and visitors in Trail and nearby communities have stood at the window of Bison Burgers & More, mouths watering as they wait for its signature bison burgers and other favourites—now greeted by a larger, modern, better-equipped trailer that more fully reflects the inspiration behind the enterprise: Métis cuisine, art, culture and collaboration.
“We used to hunt the buffalo and use all the parts; that’s why we serve bison burgers—we’ve been trying to bring traditional foods back,” explains Myrt Servatius, President of the Kootenay South Métis Society (KSMS), whose members supported the trailer upgrade project and provide volunteers to operate it. “When we shot a buffalo, we would place our sash on it so everyone knew it was a Métis kill.”
The red sash is echoed in the artwork that wraps the new trailer. It weaves together a unified visual story of Métis culture through imagery of bison (also known as “buffalo”), Louis Riel, voyageurs and traditional dance, alongside the words Ki niishoohtanaan avik lii bufloo, which roughly translates to “follow the buffalo.” The artwork was created collaboratively by Métis artists Phyllis Poitras-Jarrett, Leah Dorion and Susan Greig, supplemented with floral beadwork representation by Liz Anderson and Ali Grieve, with each element carefully chosen to reflect identity, history and community.
The trailer replaces a renovated 1976 vacation trailer that served them well for a time, but posed some health and safety concerns, according to KSMS member Ali Grieve.
“When I was working in the trailer in summer 2025, I was slipping on grease and navigating steep stairs. It reached very high temperatures, with no fans, circulation or windows,” says Grieve, who spearheaded the replacement project. “It’s been very challenging but rewarding to get this new trailer up and running. Three Indigenous women helped design it, while five Métis women contributed artwork. We received incredible support from friends, family and community connections; we’re very grateful.”
With support from Columbia Basin Trust, alongside other sponsors, the Lower Columbia Métis Management Society, an independent organization partnering with KSMS, purchased the new trailer, along with appliances, propane tanks, a generator, a BBQ griddle and other essential equipment. The upgraded space now enables improved service at community events such as National Indigenous Peoples Day, Trail Silver City Days, and many others.
“With the addition of deep fryers, we’re also making Kokum’s sweet fry bread now—it’s kind of like bannock with cinnamon sugar,” says Kaitlynn Fischer, a KSMS member, longtime volunteer and Servatius’s granddaughter.
In the Métis Michif language, kokum means “grandmother,” reflecting the important role matriarchs play in passing down knowledge—much like what’s happening in the trailer today. Her younger daughter loves the bison burgers, while her older daughter and volunteers from other multi-generational families are learning the ins and outs of running the mobile kitchen. Service hums along with hamburgers, hot dogs, corn dogs and other family-friendly favourites served alongside traditional offerings.
“I think it’s important to serve food and share our background,” Fischer adds. “That’s what Métis people are about—feeding people. There’s always good food, good stories, laughter and good times. Having the bigger space gives us more opportunity to do more for the community. This investment means a lot to us.”
