NCIAF Advisor Visits Swan Valley to Support Indigenous-Led Growth

Swan Valley, MB — Indigenous innovation in food, farming, and education is already thriving—and in the Swan Valley region, that strength is being led by the next generation.

As part of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture & Food's (NCIAF) ongoing work to uplift Indigenous-led solutions, Program Advisor Wendy Carnegie recently visited Swan Valley to meet with educators, youth, and community leaders who are working every day to restore sovereignty, build self-reliance, and shape a future rooted in Indigenous values and food ways.

“Communities like Swan Valley aren’t just participating in the food system—they’re reshaping it, on their own terms,” said Carnegie. “That’s what food sovereignty looks like in action.”

Indigenous Learning in Action

Hosted by the Swan Valley School Division, Carnegie toured a number of community-led programs that are nurturing both skills and spirit. At the heart of these efforts is the Growcer unit—a compact indoor growing system that’s producing fresh, healthy food year-round. This initiative, created in partnership with local First Nations, is not just a farming solution; it’s a hands-on classroom for Indigenous youth to learn about sustainable agriculture and local food systems.

Carnegie also visited the division’s commerical kitchen, where students are enrolled in Red Seal culinary training—a program that blends professional development with community care. Students are learning how to prepare meals using local ingredients, bringing knowledge full circle from seed to plate.

In the heavy mechanics shop, another layer of learning takes shape as students are trained to repair and maintain agricultural equipment. These skills are critical for building long-term food security in a region rooted in farming—and they also reflect traditional values of self-sufficiency, stewardship, and community service.

Supporting Indigenous Capacity and Vision

NCIAF’s mission is to support the growth and sustainability of Indigenous agriculture and food systems—through capacity development, business support, and reconciliation in action. Carnegie’s visit was part of a broader effort to amplify what communities are already doing, and to help secure funding, training, and resources that ensure these programs can continue to grow.

“This isn’t about bringing solutions into communities—it’s about recognizing that the solutions already exist, and investing in them,” said Carnegie. “When we listen, support, and walk alongside communities, we move closer to a truly sovereign food future.”

A Shared Path Forward

NCIAF is proud to work alongside communities like Swan Valley, where young people are gaining more than technical skills—they are learning how to lead with purpose, grounded in culture, connection, and confidence.

By supporting Indigenous-led education, agriculture, and innovation, we are not just growing food—we’re growing futures.