From Soil to Spirit: Lessons from the Indigenous Farm and Food Festival

As representatives of the NCIAF, Kate Fraser, Director of Capacity Development, and Monique Desjarlais, ReconciliAG Specialist, participated in the 2nd Indigenous Farm and Food Festival which took place at the Dumont Lodge in Batoche, Saskatchewan. The Farm and Food Festival event was co-hosted by ē kanātahk askiy Soil and Agroecosystem (SAGE) Project through the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan program and by the Bridge to Land Water Sky living lab, to work with First Nations across the prairies to share knowledge about soil and agroecosystem health from both Indigenous and western science perspectives. This event was truly an immersive experience that left Kate and Monique deeply inspired, as the event-team's passion in highlighting the vast strength that exists in our food systems, our relationships, and our shared vision for the future of Indigenous agriculture reclamation in Canada, was thoughtfully integrated all throughout each aspect of the event. Over the three-day event, NCIAF staff witnessed firsthand how knowledge can be passed across generations, how innovation can stand alongside tradition, and how food connects us not only to the land, but also to one another.

The event break-out sessions took place as interactive discovery sessions, which ranged from soil health demonstrations and buffalo caretaking to storytelling circles and farm tours. Each activity highlighted the resilience and ingenuity of Indigenous producers, Elders, and Knowledge Keepers who are revitalizing practices that sustain both community and environment. Supporting Indigenous agriculture means amplifying community voices, honouring traditional knowledge, and building bridges that empower youth and community members alike; and what stood out most was the way that the group of youth members who were in attendance, were included in every conversation; seen not just as learners but as future leaders who will carry forward the work of establishing food sovereignty and food security in their home communities.

It was empowering to listen firsthand, to the community members who shared their experiences, challenges, and aspirations. Conversations ranged from building and sustaining buffalo networks to expanding food forests as living models of food sovereignty, and to designing training pathways for the next generation of Indigenous farmers and food leaders. Each dialogue revealed the determination present in communities across turtle island, and the importance of having support systems in place that respond directly to those visions.

Another key takeaway Monique and Kate highlighted were the ways in which ceremony and cultural practice were woven throughout the festival. Beginning the gathering with prayer and a pipe ceremony set a tone of respect, grounding the festivals work in tradition, responsibility, and spiritual connection to the land. Equally meaningful was the closing experience of touring Muskeg Lake’s Food Forest and Beneficial Management Practices site. This demonstration offered participants a tangible example of how culture, community leadership, and innovative
approaches to land management and stewardship can come together to strengthen Canada's food sovereign and food secure future.

Kate and Monique carry forward the relationships and insights at the Farm and Food Festival with inspiration and optimism. The festival reinforced that Indigenous agriculture and food systems are not only central to community well-being, but also vital to the future of Canada’s food landscape. By continuing to nurture relationships, share knowledge, and foster opportunities, the NCIAF hopes to walk alongside nations to contribute to a future where Indigenous food sovereignty thrives; nourishing people culturally, spiritually, and physically for generations to come.