Webinar Recap: Indigenous Voices in Agriculture – Bridging Knowledge and Innovation

On June 5th, 2024, the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) partnered with the North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) to host an engaging and insightful webinar focused on the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, agriculture, and food sovereignty. The event brought together influential voices in the industry, offering a platform to explore how these elements can be woven together to foster a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural future. 

The Importance of Mentorship in Agriculture 

The webinar kicked off with a conversation led by Chris McKee, Senior Vice-President of NCIAF, who emphasized the importance of mentorship in agriculture. McKee explained that mentorship should go beyond fulfilling quotas or formal requirements. Instead, mentorship programs need to be intentional, supportive, and respectful of diverse backgrounds. With challenges like increasing global food production by 50–70% by 2050, McKee stressed the need for integrating traditional agricultural knowledge with modern scientific approaches. By bridging innovation and tradition, mentorship plays a key role in building a new generation of leaders capable of ensuring long-term food security and sustainability. 

Indigenous Ways of Knowing: A Rich Source of Knowledge 

The webinar’s most powerful insights came from two prominent members of NCIAF’s Advisory Circle—Adam Subject and Nishin Meawasige. Both speakers shared personal experiences that highlighted the value of Indigenous knowledge in transforming agricultural practices. 

Adam Subject, Lands Director for the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, shared a deeply moving story that illustrated the unique relationship Indigenous peoples have with the land. He discussed his work in developing land use plans for his Nation and the difficulty of capturing the essence of Indigenous knowledge in terms that Western systems could understand. One particularly poignant teaching from an elder stood out:

“To live on Earth as though you never left a footprint.”

This philosophy, rooted in the Dakota worldview, emphasizes a deep sense of responsibility for the land, where every action taken should enhance, rather than degrade, the environment. 

Adam pointed out that for the Dakota, language and land are inseparable—language is seen as a tool for connection to the Earth. He noted how modern environmental terms like "carbon footprint" and "net-zero targets" echo this ancient wisdom but with a contemporary twist. 

The Power of Shared Stories and Perspectives 

Nishin Meawasige, an Anishinaabe entrepreneur and co-founder of Manitoulin Brewing Company from Serpent River Anishinabek, shared his own perspective on the importance of youth engagement in agriculture. Drawing from his experience in building a dynamic sales team, he discussed how attitude and a genuine interest in farming are key factors in attracting young people to the industry. Nishin emphasized the importance of encouraging young people to follow their passions, as this will ultimately lead to a thriving agricultural future. 

Nishin also highlighted the ongoing work of the Nourishing Nations Program within NCIAF, which aims to support and inspire young Indigenous people to explore careers in agriculture. The program not only seeks to promote agriculture as an industry but also positions it as a path to empowerment, community development, and cultural preservation. 

A Call for Action: Moving Forward with Intentionality 

As the webinar concluded, a strong call to action was made. Chris McKee urged all stakeholders—businesses, educators, and communities—to work collaboratively to ensure that mentorship and leadership opportunities are accessible to Indigenous youth. This is particularly crucial in the face of global challenges like climate change and food insecurity. 

McKee stressed that mentorship programs must be tailored to the unique needs of Indigenous youth, ensuring they feel supported and integrated into the agricultural industry. Whether newcomers to the field or members of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, it’s essential that these young people see themselves as belonging in agriculture. 

Looking Ahead: NCIAF and NAAAN's Collaborative Vision 

The collaboration between NCIAF and NAAAN is just beginning, with exciting plans for future initiatives, including the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food joining the NAAAN Connect platform.  
 
“NAAAN CONNECT is an online community platform developed by the North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN). It serves as a collaborative space for extension professionals, rural advisory service providers, researchers, and agricultural practitioners across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.”  

As the webinar demonstrated, the need for cross-cultural understanding, collaboration, and respect for Indigenous knowledge is more pressing than ever. By embracing diverse perspectives—such as those shared by Adam Subject and Nishin Meawasige—we can help shape a future where Indigenous peoples play a central role in transforming agriculture across North America. 
 
To watch the recorded webinar: Click here.