REGINA — The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture have agreed to work together to promote Indigenous-led agriculture.
The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding last month at the CFA summer board meeting and policy summit.
NCIAF chief executive officer Kallie Wood said the MOU is a commitment to reconciliation in action.
Read Also
Industry wants ag to become national priority
Agricultural associations from across the country have agreed they want the prime minister to treat agriculture and agri-food as a strategically important sector.
“By joining forces with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, we’re creating space for Indigenous voices, knowledge systems and leadership to be recognized and elevated within the national agricultural landscape,” she said.
This will create a more prosperous and sustainable future for all, she added.
CFA president Keith Currie said the partnership will build a more inclusive agriculture.
The MOU sets out the framework for the two organizations to work together to promote Indigenous-led agricultural practices that honour traditional knowledge and modern sustainability, encourage dialogue and collaboration in agricultural communities, support policy development that focuses on food security and education, and advocate for practices and innovations that benefit all communities.
Key action areas include advocacy to support Indigenous food sovereignty and economic development, developing training tools and workshops to share knowledge on sustainability and policy, and identifying future opportunities and partnerships for Indigenous farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs.
The NCIAF is a Regina-based organization working to establish agricultural programs for First Nations, Inuit and Metis people to build or expand agriculture.
At its June annual general meeting, the NCIAF noted that in just two years of operation, it has already supported more than 50 projects to strengthen entrepreneurship and community-led food sovereignty initiatives. Staff worked with 47 First Nations and 23 communities.
In addition to the CFA, the organization has partnerships with the Canadian Bison Association and Canadian Food Focus.
The three-year MOU with CFF focuses on education, outreach and community engagement, as well as building capacity.
