Ottawa -The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) has been created with the support of Farm Credit Canada to unlock the full potential of First Nations’ agriculture and food production.

The NCIAF is an Indigenous-led, non-profit organization, based at the First Nations University of Canada in Regina. It will aim to re-ignite the involvement of Indigenous peoples in creating successful agriculture and food businesses.

After consultation with Indigenous communities and organizations, the NCIAF will focus on three strategic pillars:

-Advancing reconciliation in the agriculture industry by building bridges between Indigenous communities and peoples and other agriculture and food industry stakeholders, while revitalizing Indigenous traditions and values;

–Supporting the development of Indigenous agriculture and food businesses by creating opportunities to advance food sovereignty and grow the participation of Indigenous business across the value chain through agriculture planning and knowledge;

-Providing learning opportunities, knowledge-sharing and connecting Indigenous businesses and peoples to hands-on learning and development opportunities for operational success.

NCIAF will also focus on business acceleration, increased access to knowledge, strengthened business planning and management practices and increased access to capital to support the entire Canadian agriculture and food industry in realizing its own potential as a world leader in the safe, sustainable production of food.

Systemic barriers prevent Indigenous communities from realizing the food security and economic prosperity associated with a robust agriculture and food industry. The NCIAF brings together support from Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners to address these inequalities and create a more promising future.

It also aims to help Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups better understand each other and through collaboration, partnership and knowledge sharing, to form a shared vision for prosperity in Canadian agriculture and food.

NCIAF's mission is to empower Indigenous communities in building sustainable businesses, reclaiming food sovereignty, and strengthening food security. Through strategic connections and initiatives focused on reconciliation, business development, and capacity building, NCIAF aims to accelerates Indigenous agriculture, agribusiness, and food production, while promoting a more inclusive, sustainable future and honouring their traditions, lands, and Mother Earth.

The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) is an Indigenous-led non-profit dedicated to advancing reconciliation for Indigenous communities and peoples in the agriculture industry by revitalizing their involvement and fostering collaboration with non-Indigenous stakeholders.

This news item prepared for National Newswatch