Province announces $30-million program targeting Indigenous food security

KAMLOOPS — Outside of the future grocery store on the Tk’emlups Reserve, Agriculture and Food Minister Pam Alexis announced a new program, along with $30-million in provincial funding to improve Indigenous food security and sovereignty.

“We will be supporting projects that build capacity and put more control of how food is grown and distributed into the hands of Indigenous communities,” said Alexis.

The program is designed to help Indigenous communities build and strengthen distinct local food systems, including the revitalization of traditional production, harvest and preservation practices.

“We all know that we are in a crisis. We all need to get back to the very basics. It is critical to have sufficient access to local quality food and share those practices as gathers and as caretakers, stewards of our land,” added KuKpi7 Rosanne Casimir.

The program will be delivered by the New Relationship Trust, an independent non-profit dedicated to empowering First Nations communities.

“We talk about healthy, vibrant First Nations communities and the first thing we need to talk about is the social determinants of health. And one of the most important ones is food security and food sovereignty. Reconnecting to who we are, reconnecting to the land,” said Trust Board of Directors Chair, Wade Grant.

According to the minister, the funding comes from $200 million given to the agricultural ministry in this year’s budget from the government’s surplus.

“By investing in Indigenous food security and sovereignty we are helping build a stronger economy and helping communities build a more resilient and equitable food eco-system,” stated Alexis.