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Tag Archives first nations

Canada, First Nations agree on unmet agricultural claims
A handful of specific agricultural benefit claims between the federal government and nine First Nations were settled on Friday.
Once fully settled, these claims—unmet promises in treaties 5, 6 and 10 territories throughout the Prairie provinces—will represent almost $1.4 billion in combined compensation to these First Nations.

Indigenous entrepreneurs speak to issues in Canadian agriculture
They say access to funding one of the biggest barriers
Indigenous entrepreneurs spoke about the challenges they face in agricultural business, and the importance of community, at the recent Future of Food Conference in Ottawa. Wabanaki Maple CEO and founder Jolene Johnson, Manitoulin Brewing Company co-owner Nishin Meawasige and Kitasoo Development Corporation general manager Isaiah Robinson spoke on a panel moderated by National Circle for […] Read more

At Agribition: Northern community integrates tech, education into market garden
Flying Dust working to improve operation's food distribution
Riverside Market Garden, operated by Flying Dust First Nation, started in 2009 with two people and an old alfalfa field. Today it employs about 20 people, plus summer students; provides food for the community and some wholesalers; and gives youth a chance to learn about agriculture. Over the years the First Nation, just north of […] Read more

Comment: How the food subsidy system is failing northern Canada
Grocery retailers are benefiting from food subsidies and that’s a problem
Soaring food prices, growing profit margins and record-high profits in the food industry have severely impacted the lives of many Canadians. According to Innovation, Science and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s largest grocery chains recently agreed to work with the federal government to stabilize prices. But for Canadians living in remote northern communities, food affordability […] Read more

Building bridges to Indigenous communities
Western Canadian society has a wall running straight down its middle, dividing the world into Indigenous and non-Indigenous spheres. Breaking that wall down is in everyone’s interest, according to Kendal Netmaker. The Saskatoon-based Indigenous entrepreneur, author and consultant told the Canadian Crops Convention his priority is removing that wall. “We need to knock it down […] Read more

OMAFRA addresses Aboriginal and Treaty Rights within Trespass Act for farmers
Webinar clarifies misunderstandings as well as need for better police awareness of the Act
A new factsheet aims to clarify any misunderstandings around Aboriginal and Treaty Rights within the Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act, 2020 (SFTPFSA). “The factsheets were developed as part of the consultation process,” said Scott Duff, director of economic development policy with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA). “We […] Read more

Opinion: The path to reconciliation can start by reading some good books
There is some excellent fiction and non-fiction that opens the door to history — and understanding
Glacier FarmMedia – Sept. 30 marks the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day meant to honour the children who never returned home and the survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. Many people haven’t learned the history of residential schools because it wasn’t part of school curricula until recently […] Read more

Indigenous chef seeks cultural authenticity
Rich Francis is changing the paradigm of what indigenous food looks like
Rich Francis is on a journey to reinvent how people think about and interpret indigenous cuisine as it’s known today. The indigenous chef and food activist discussed the ways he is reviving authentic aboriginal cuisine and removing colonialism from the menu, when speaking at an Oct. 28 Arrell Food Summit event. “What I specialize in […] Read more
Opinion: Conference shows opportunities available to participate in reconciliation
The combined enthusiasm of First Nations for agriculture, mixed with added interest from government and industry, is creating exciting opportunities despite the barriers. That enthusiasm was on display during FHQ Development’s two-day, Indigenous Agricultural Innovation Conference held virtually in September. Attendees heard from a diverse set of speakers, including Melissa Arcand, an associate professor in […] Read more

First Nations land a ‘big opportunity’ for Indigenous agriculture
Experts in financing have projected growth within First Nations agriculture
As the federal government continues to settle land claims with First Nations, the territory acquired is expected to become a big opportunity for Indigenous agriculture in Canada. Speaking at the Indigenous Agricultural Innovation Conference, held Sept. 21-22 and hosted by the File Hills Development Corp., experts in financing projected growth within First Nations agriculture. The […] Read more