Province helps strengthen Indigenous food security, sovereignty

More than 100 Indigenous-led projects in British Columbia are underway to enhance food security and sovereignty, backed by the New Relationship Trust's $30-million Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program. The initiative supports a range of projects, from revitalizing traditional food harvesting to expanding local food processing capabilities. Jared Williams on Vancouver Island is upgrading a smokehouse to merge ancient preservation methods with modern safety standards, emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage in food practices. Haida Wild is investing in a new vacuum-sealing machine to reduce seafood waste and enhance distribution, benefiting local fishers. The Sts’ailes First Nation is organizing workshops to promote traditional food usage, aiming to reduce reliance on commercial food sources.

These projects highlight the critical role of Indigenous knowledge in strengthening food systems, particularly in rural areas. They also reflect the province's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and sustainable agriculture. The NRT emphasizes the need for Indigenous leadership to guide food production rooted in community values.