Indigenous communities to receive funds for food security, sovereignty

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Three northeast First Nations communities will be receiving funds toward food sovereignty from the provincial government.

According to a press release issued to Energeticcity.ca, Doig River First Nation (DRFN) and West Moberly First Nations (WMFN) and Fort Nelson First Nation (FNFN) will be getting a share of funds through the province’s Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty program, funded by the New Relationship Trust.

The program supports both on-reserve and off-reserve projects, such as revitalizing food harvesting and Indigenous agro-ecosystems, expanding production capacity, boosting local food processing and distribution, and growing commercial value-added enterprises, according to the release.

Started in 2023, the funding available was slated to be approximately $30 million administered by the New Relationship Trust over three years.

The trust is an independent, Indigenous-led non-profit organization which works with Indigenous entrepreneurs, communities and businesses to identify and respond to their needs and empower them.

DRFN will receive money toward a traditional food trapline, while WMFN’s funds will go toward a food security plan.

Meanwhile, FNFN will receive money toward a community greenhouse. 

Walter Schneider, chief executive officer of New Relationship Trust, said the organization is  “proud to support Indigenous food producers who are driving community wellbeing, economic growth and food sovereignty, all while upholding their values and deep connection to the land.”

The full list of Indigenous communities receiving grants can be found here.

Energeticcity.ca has reached out to representatives for each First Nation, and will update this story should a comment become available.