NationTalk: NortheastNOW – Farm Credit Canada says a new organization that it has helped support, one meant to get Indigenous peoples involved in the agriculture and food business, has been officially launched.

A pipe ceremony held June 10 at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina marked the start of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food. 

FCC says the new organization is based on three pillars, including reconciliation, business development and capacity building.

Farm Credit adds the circle is meant to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous people understand each other and to bring together support to overcome barriers to food security and prosperity for Indigenous communities.

“The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food exists to advance reconciliation by building bridges between Indigenous Peoples and communities and the agriculture and food industry,” says organization president and CEO Kallie Wood in a news release, adding “As the first farmers of this land, NCIAF exists to help our First Nations People rekindle their relationship with agriculture; to grow, harvest and provide healthy food to their families and their communities. We are working to accelerate this reignition, which represents a $1.5 billion boost in primary agriculture alone.”

“Our passionate team here at the NCIAF serves to invite the agriculture and agribusiness industry to collaborate and connect with Indigenous businesses to promote equitable partnerships that prioritize environmental, sustainability and social impact.” 

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by Curtis Galbraith