The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is receiving funds to boost food security for its residents.
The province announced funding recipients Tuesday for the Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program (IFSAP), which earmarked more than $1.1 million for 15 projects that grow farming and food processing operations in communities across the province.
The OKIB is receiving $80,000 to provide 鈥渃ulturally safe and affordable foods鈥� through band-owned land 鈥� land that was recently designated to grow fruits and vegetables, traditional foods, livestock and process meat. The funds will also provide for a kitchen and pantry, cooking pit and root cellars and space for cultural activities to create job opportunities.
鈥淭he Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program represents a meaningful step in increasing investments toward the success of Indigenous Peoples鈥� food systems and supporting their priorities and approaches,鈥� said OKIB chief Byron Louis, who is the chair of the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food.
鈥�The B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food provided input on the design and scope of the program to better align with Indigenous-identified funding needs and priorities. We see this program as a reflection of the province鈥檚 deepening awareness and commitment to Indigenous Peoples鈥� food systems and agriculture.鈥�
The program will allow Indigenous governments, communities and businesses to pursue increased food security and food sovereignty.
鈥淥ur government is supporting Indigenous communities with their food security, food sovereignty and economic development goals and it is important we work together to build strong, self-sustaining food systems that respect Indigenous Peoples鈥� rights and cultures,鈥� said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food.
鈥淭his program is creating more food and agriculture opportunities for Indigenous communities, and taking an important step toward the equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in the B.C. agriculture sector.鈥�
Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu lauded her NDP government for providing the funds.
鈥淔irst Nations communities deserve the right to express themselves culturally through food, and this funding will help the Okanagan Indian Band build on the work they are already doing towards food security and food sovereignty in their community,鈥� said Sandhu.
The program was developed with guidance from the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food. The program is funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and the B.C. government and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.
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