Exploring and expanding Indigenous agriculture across the country is the focus of a two-day conference at the Canadian Western Agribition. The Indigenous Agriculture Summitt (IAS) is a space to share knowledge and opportunities on creating food security, sustainability, and community building. Kallie Wood is the president & CEO of the National Circle For Indigenous Agriculture & Food (NCIAF). She said the summit is a place where attendees can pick up ideas to take home. “There is a lot of power in story, to have other communities here to see, and to say, ‘We can go home and do this in our community,’ ” said Wood. For the second year in a row, the IAS has been extended to a two-day event. It expanded seating to accommodate 300 attendees and is sold out. Each day includes breakout sessions and panel discussions involving a range of topics, including food initiatives and buffalo management. Chris McKee is the senior vice-president of NCIAF. He said there is roughly a $1.5 billion GDP miss in Canada, happening in Indigenous agriculture. “This two days gives us an opportunity to get that platform of industry and academia to really come together, to accelerate and build the AG industry as a whole,” said McKee. There are currently large and small agricultural operations happening across Canada. One of the main ideas being discussed at the IAS is the potential Nations and communities have in supplying their own food sources. “There are lot of nations doing a lot of great things, and there a lot of nations that want to do great things,” said McKee. “If you want to get started and don’t know where to turn, we can help,” he concluded. The IAS is presented by FCC. It will conclude Friday afternoon.
