Roots of Resilience: Celebrating the Inaugural AGM of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

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Roots of Resilience: Celebrating the Inaugural AGM of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

Roots of Resilience: Celebrating the Inaugural AGM of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

Jul 3, 2024

Justice Acoose, Communications Specialist

June 10, 2024, The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) celebrated its official announcement with a Pipe Ceremony, in conjunction with their Annual General Meeting in Regina, Saskatchewan. This significant event brought together members from the Board of Directors, the Advisory Circle, partners, and special guests.

_{Todd Klink and Ken Thomas followed by

esteemed guests heading into the pipe ceremony.}

"The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food exists to advance reconciliation by building bridges between Indigenous Peoples and communities and the agriculture and food industry,” said Kallie Wood, NCIAF president and CEO. “As the first farmers of this land, NCIAF exists to help our First Nations People rekindle their relationship with agriculture; to grow, harvest and provide healthy food to their families and their communities. We are working to accelerate this reignition, which represents a $1.5 billion boost in primary agriculture alone."

Our passionate team here at the NCIAF serves to invite the agriculture and agribusiness industry to collaborate and connect with Indigenous businesses to promote equitable partnerships that prioritize environmental, sustainability and social impact.The Pipe Ceremony is a vital step in establishing the non-profit in good way, symbolizing collective prayer, the beginning of discussions and the sealing of friendships.

Following the Pipe Ceremony, attendess enjoyed a performance by Lone Creek Drum Group. Chris McKee, Senior Vice President of Business Development, introduced special videos including blessings from The Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan and from The Honourable Minister MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

President and CEO Kallie Wood delivered her address accompanied by a video from Errol Kinistino, a member of the Ochapowace Kehteyak Committee. Kinistino shared fond childhood memories of his family's garden, highlighting the significance of the newly planted Ochapowace Community Garden as a crucial step toward achieving food sovereignty.

Justine Hendricks, President and CEO, FCC, and Jane Halford, chairperson of FCC’s Board of Directors announced FCC’s commitment to donate $1 million per year for five years to support the Circle's foundation and success in the spirit of "reconcili-ACTION."

^{Lone Creek Drum Group: Performing the Honor Song}

"The launch of the NCIAF is a critical step towards placing Indigenous knowledge at the center of Canada’s Agriculture and Food future," said Hendricks. "FCC’s support to the Circle is part of our commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. By building relationships and sharing business knowledge, we can work together to address barriers within the Canadian food value chain.”

Other notable speakers included: Shaun Soonias, on behalf of the Board Chair; Herb Zobell, Vice President, Commercial Indigenous Markets; The Honourable Christine Tell, on behalf of The Honourable David Marit, Minister of Agriculture; and Kristjan Hebert, President of The Hebert Group.

Kristjan remarked “Collaboration is critical to the advancement and future prosperity of Canadian Agriculture and Food. The NCIAF will be proof that this generation of Agriculture can be where Indigenous and non-indigenous partners not only find pathways to success but implement and execute them. The future will always belong to those who see the possibilities before they become obvious; we look forward to partnering on one of those possibilities with NCIAF.”

_{1(L-R) Michelle Sandercock, - NCIAF Business Specialist;, Ken Thomas, - NCIAF Board Member;, Tianna George-Peepeetch, – Student Intern;, Gordon Lerat, - NCIAF Advisory Circle Member;, Tamara Machiskinic, – NCIAF Executive Assistant;, Kallie Wood, – NCIAF President & CEO;, Joe Munro, - NCIAF Advisory Circle Member;, Justice Acoose, – NCIAF Communications Specialist;, Chris McKee, – NCIAF Senior Vice President of Business Development;, Justine Hendricks, – FCC President and CEO;, Terry Lerat, – NCIAF ReconciliAG Advisor;, Kate Fraser, – NCIAF Reconciliation and Capacity Specialist;, Walter Pylypchuk, – NCIAF Advisory Circle Member;, Todd Klink, – outgoing NCIAF Board Member and FCC Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.}

The evening ended with networking and refreshments provided by the First Nations University’s very own Kohkom Bea's. Profits from Kohkom Bea's are used to help fund the University’s daycare, demonstrating a commitment to community support and sustainability. Throughout the evening, a revolving slideshow showcased events and activities the NCIAF has participated in, highlighting the organization's active involvement and dedication to advancing Indigenous agriculture and food initiatives.

_{Kristjan Hebert, President of The Hebert Group;

Terry Lerat, NCIAF ReconciliAG Advisor.}

The event marked a promising start for NCIAF's mission to integrate Indigenous knowledge and practices into the broader agricultural landscape of Canada, promoting sustainability, equity, and reconciliation.

Terry Lerat, NCIAF ReconciliAG Advisor, shared his vision: "Through my role with the NCIAF, I want to help open the door of opportunities for First Nations across Canada. My goal is to bring the spirit and intent of the treaties by bringing farming to First Nations across Canada."

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