Indigenous Ag Summit in Regina. Photo by Manfred Joehnck.
Delegates from across the country are meeting in Regina, sharing information and encouraging First Nations to become more involved in the agriculture industry as a means to economic security and self-sufficiency.
This is the fourth year for the Indigenous Ag Summit, which is held in conjunction with Agribition. Everything from developing business plans to getting grants are part of the two-day program.
The chair of this year’s event is Courtney McDougall. She has been involved in Agribition her whole life and sees the need for a greater Indigenous presence in the industry. She says there are a lot of opportunities, but admits that there are a lot of barriers as well.
McDougall says conferences, like this one, is one way of breaking down those barriers and learning from others.
“Hopefully there is something that sparks inside of them after hearing about a first-hand experience,” she said. “These people talk about their expertise and their experience, but they also talk about the different obstacles and barriers, and sometimes failures they experienced, and how they continued on and became successful.”
One of the many presenters is Lynda Bigknife from the Star Blanket Cree Nation. She is the C.E.O. of Red Dog Holdings, the economic arm of the First Nation.
Bigknife says agriculture is becoming part of its growing portfolio. She says they started small with a community garden, but have plans to expand.
“There is interest from the community to pursue other sources of food such as cattle, poultry, buffalo, an orchard and even medicine.” she said.
Chief Clarence Louie from the Osoyoos band in B.C. is the wrap-up speaker. He is talking about environmental stewardship.
The reserve operates more businesses per capita than any other in Canada. They include three resorts, a golf course, a convenience store and a concrete company.