Government of Canada support for Indigenous food and agriculture initiatives 

Backgrounder

June 18, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative (IAFSI) aims to increase and support economic development opportunities for Indigenous Peoples and communities in Canada. This initiative supports Indigenous communities and entrepreneurs who are ready to launch agriculture and food systems projects and others who want to build their capacity to participate in the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector. IAFSI is part of the federal Strategic Partnerships Initiative, which provides a way for federal partners to coordinate their efforts, reduce administrative burden and pool resources in support of Indigenous communities.

The AgriDiversity Program, funded under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, aims to help under-represented groups in Canadian agriculture, including youth, women, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities fully participate in the sector by helping these groups address the key issues and barriers they often face for sector participation.

The IAFSI recipients announced today are as follows:

Recipient Name Province Project description Federal Support Approved
(up to)
4-C FARMS Limited Partnership Saskatchewan Finalize a business plan Cowessess First Nation to expand its farm operation to 2,000 acres. $31,185
Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq Nova Scotia Provide 13 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq communities with the training and resources required to achieve food sovereignty and economic growth. $204,199
Cree Nation of Nemaska Quebec Implement an LED-based, smart, vertical farm that would grow fruits and vegetables for sale to the community and external markets. $720,854
Kwadacha First Nation British Columbia Provide the knowledge and skills necessary for two members of the community to operate their 10,800 square foot hydroponic greenhouse facility, independently. $254,019
Xaxli'p First Nation British Columbia 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. $87,340
Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies (SIIT) Saskatchewan Host a two-day summit that would bring together up to 200 First Nations leaders and other industry leaders to identify opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in the plant-based protein industry. $176,020
Tootinaowaziibeeng Treaty Reserve No.292 (TTR) Manitoba Conduct research and gather key data to determine the economic viability of a culturally-appropriate, sustainable bison operation within the community. $73,400
Doig River First Nation British Columbia Conduct a feasibility study to assess the viability of a hay farming operation. $16,898
Lytton First Nation British Columbia Provide food processing and preservation infrastructure, equipment, services and resources to local food producers and processors through a Food Hub. $1,041,831
Bigstone Cree Nation Alberta Identify and plan agribusiness opportunities to participate and succeed in Alberta’s and Canada’s growing agribusiness sector. $130,566
Kwikwasut'inuxw Haxwa'mis First Nation British Columbia Increase food security and economic opportunities for KHFN members living in the village of Gwa'Yas'Dums on Gilford Island. $126,619
4-C FARMS Limited Partnership Saskatchewan Reintroduce grain farming as a viable business and career path for the members of Cowessess First Nation. $922,728
Poundmaker Cree Nation Saskatchewan Develop a business plan to support their participation in agriculture that would help create a community garden and greenhouse. $15,000
Red Rock First Nation Ontario Conduct a feasibility study to determine the long term viability of developing a wild rice cultivation and processing operation. $19,925
Swan Lake First Nation Manitoba Establish a long-term business plan for an Integrated Grassfed Bison Enterprise, with particular focus on risk management and market opportunity analysis. $308,026

The AgriDiversity recipient announced today is as follows:

Recipient Name Province Project description Federal Support Approved
(up to)
Indigenous Works Organization Inc. Saskatchewan Identify gaps, challenges and opportunities for Indigenous people and organizations to increase their participation and innovation in the agriculture and agri-food sectors in Canada. $123,406

Related products

News release: Minister Miller announces Government of Canada support for Indigenous food and agriculture initiatives

Contacts

Oliver Anderson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
oliver.anderson@agr.gc.ca
613-462-4327

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
aafc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.aac@@agr.gc.ca
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