Minister Miller announces Ottawa support for Indigenous food and agriculture initiatives

The month of June is dedicated to recognizing and honouring the achievements, history and rich cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis. Together, we are building a stronger and more inclusive agriculture sector that advances meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples and reduces barriers for under-represented groups

Marc Miller, Minister of Indigenous Services, together with Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food,  Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced investments of over $4 million in 16 projects that will help support Indigenous food systems initiatives, provide equitable access to healthy food, and increase participation of under-represented groups in the agriculture and agri-food sector.

“Our government is working to create a more inclusive agriculture sector that respects the values of Indigenous Peoples,” Bibeau stated.” These investments are intended to ensure that Indigenous Peoples have equal opportunities in the sector, the resources they need to be successful, and access to safe and affordable food.”

“Indigenous Peoples were the first agricultural innovators and have a unique connection to the land that continues today”

Miller also added, “Indigenous farmers, communities and agri-food entrepreneurs have a strong partner in the Government of Canada. We recognize all of you, as leaders, in building and growing opportunities – from farming, community gardens, traditional foods and agri-entrepreneurs. Indigenous Peoples were the first agricultural innovators and have a unique connection to the land that continues today. Today’s announcement will help ensure that Indigenous Peoples can continue to contribute to and share in Canada’s economic and agricultural success.”

Recipients include:

• 4-C Farms Limited Partnership, which received up to $954,000 to reintroduce grain farming as a viable business and career path and to finalize a business plan so that Cowessess First Nation can expand its farming operation to 2,000 acres;.
• Xaxli’p First Nation, which received up to $88,000 to prepare the community to engage in a number of agricultural activities by conducting a market study, a land capability assessment and an irrigation water source assessment; and
• Bigstone Cree Nation, which will receive up to $131,000 to identify and plan agribusiness opportunities to participate and succeed in Alberta’s growing agribusiness sector.

“Our long term goal for 4C Farms is to build a fleet of grain farming equipment to enable our Nation owned farm to occupy Nation owned land.  After Chief Kwīwīzance (Cowessess) agreed to Treaty Four, Cowessess First Nation utilized the teachings and tools provided to support an agricultural existence,” Chief Cadmus Delorme of 4C Farms Ltd said.  “Overtime Cowessess members were great farmers then Canadian policy made it harder for Cowessess members to farm. Today, we want to revive agriculture and enable our community and its citizens to benefit from the vast amount of arable acres Cowessess First Nation owns.  The assistance from AAFC has helped to support the reestablishment of agriculture on Cowessess First Nation.”

These projects, announced through the Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative and the AgriDiversity Program, build on previous federal support of $2.1 million. This includes projects to support Indigenous agriculture and food initiatives undertaken by the Indian Agricultural Program of Ontario (IAPO), the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC), the Wikwemikong Development Commission, and the Northern Farm Training Institute (NFTI).

“The Xaxli’p Agriculture Community Readiness (ACR) project, funded by the Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, will result in determining key agricultural opportunities for Xaxli’p on the sites of interest, and initial financial feasibility of these opportunities,” Lyle Leo, economic development officer for Xaxli’p added.  “This project is a steppingstone to business planning and infrastructure improvements.”

“Bigstone Cree Nation is proud to accept the funding and support from Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (IAFI) which will assist the Nation in moving forward on the plans to initiate a bison operation, greenhouses and sustainable crops,” Troy Stuart, land manager for Bigstone Cree Nation also said.  “We look forward to working with Agriculture and Agri Food Canada on various aspects of the agricultural sector which will incorporate our culture, traditional land use and knowledge in the success of our vision. We thank the Minister and everyone that joined this morning to announce and showcase as more Nations move closer toward self sustenance and true reconciliation.”

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring Indigenous communities across the country have reliable access to healthy food. Today’s announcement builds on existing initiatives, such as the Emergency Food Security Fund and the Nutrition North Canada Program, which strengthen food security, including in Indigenous communities.