(Wonganan/iStock/Getty Images)

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.

An accompaniment to the panel “The Road Ahead: building bridges for the future.”

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

Jason Cardinal talks market gardens and tech to attendees of the Indigenous Ag Summit at Canadian Western Agribition in Regina. (Lisa Guenther photo)

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

'…for Canadians living in remote northern communities, food affordability has been a crisis for decades.'

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

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


Indigenous people lawfully exercising Aboriginal or Treaty rights may enter an animal protection zone without first obtaining prior consent of the owner on the farm.

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

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

Rich Francis, indigenous chef and Top Chef Canada finalist, left, and Berth Skye, the culinary matriarch of iIndigenous food, discuss decolonization of indigenous food during the Arrell Food Summit.

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

Now that land claims are freeing up more land space, some First Nations are leasing land out for agricultural use and are interested in pursuing agriculture.

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