C’est Bon Ottawa establishes scholarship, bursary at Algonquin College in memory of slain cook

Joshua Qiyuk worked as kitchen staff for C'est Bon Ottawa. (C'est Bon Ottawa/Facebook)

Algonquin College says it has partnered with C’est Bon Ottawa to offer a scholarship and a bursary to Indigenous students in memory of Joshua Qiyuk, a young cook who was killed in a stabbing last fall.

“Established by C’est Bon, these new funds, called the Joshua Qiyuk Memorial Scholarship and the Joshua Qiyuk Memorial Bursary, will support Indigenous learners in a variety of Culinary Arts programs,” Algonquin College said in a news release on Monday.

Qiyuk worked at C’est Bon Ottawa and had graduated from Algonquin College’s culinary management program.

He came to Ottawa from Baker Lake, Nunavut as a teenager and attended one of C’est Bon’s culinary workshops arranged by the Inuuqatigiit Centre for Inuit Children, Youth and Families, before being hired there as a kitchen assistant. He later got a job at Absinthe in Wellington West.

He was found dead on Oct. 22, 2025, on Meadow Park Place. Ottawa police said he had been the victim of a homicide. So far, no one has been arrested in connection with his death.

“Josh left such a strong impression on everyone he came in contact with,” said Stefanie Siska, president and co-owner of C’est Bon in Monday’s release. “He was as hardworking as he was kind and pleasant to work with. Mentors, colleagues, friends—we were all touched by how he approached his craft with consistent focus, gratitude, and a strong commitment to growth. He grounded his career in integrity and quiet determination. By establishing a scholarship and bursary in Josh’s memory, we hope the light of his life can keep inspiring and uplifting Indigenous people advancing their culinary careers.”

Algonquin College says the Joshua Qiyuk Memorial Scholarship is a merit-based fund. It will be awarded annually to an Inuit, First Nations, or Métis full-time student in level 3 or higher of their academic program. Eligible programs include Culinary Management and Baking and Pastry Arts Management, both of which are two-year Ontario college diploma programs.

The Joshua Qiyuk Memorial Bursary is a financial need-based fund. It is also an annual award meant for Inuit, First Nations, and Métis students. Eligible programs include the two diploma programs mentioned above as well as three programs of shorter duration: the Culinary Skills certificate, the Baking and Pastry Arts certificate, and the Culinary Skills – Cook II apprenticeship. Indigenous students may apply for this bursary online.

“The connection between Algonquin College and Indigenous communities is the very essence of who we are as an institution,” said Anita Tenasco, Director of Indigenous Initiatives at Algonquin College. “When community partners support our Indigenous learners, the effects are felt here and in Indigenous communities near and far. I am moved that C’est Bon has chosen to transform profound loss into a positive force for Indigenous people. It’s a wonderful way to honour Josh’s memory and bring about transformative change. Mìgwech, thank you, C’est Bon.”

Current and future Indigenous students at Algonquin College are encouraged to visit the college’s support for Indigenous students page for more information.

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