B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF)

The B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF) is a unique council created by the Province in order for council members and the ministry to work together to support the realization of Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and agriculture related priorities. IACAF was inaugurated in June 2021, following a year and a half of co-development between founding members and the ministry.

Accomplishments

IACAF is raising the profile and celebrating Indigenous food systems in BC and the accomplishments of Indigenous food champions and Nations in sustaining and revitalizing their food systems.

IACAF has sponsored research and organized events to build knowledge and bring people together to support Indigenous food systems and increase Indigenous peoples’ success and participation in the agriculture and food sector.

Discussion paper on Indigenous food sovereignty

This discussion paper (PDF,16 MB), prepared by Tea Creek Enterprises (an Indigenous-led, land-based, culturally-safe Indigenous food sovereignty initiative located in Gitxsan territory), summarizes a review of Indigenous Food Sovereignty perspectives in B.C., with a focus on mapping current initiatives, outlining Indigenous food sovereignty narratives, and providing case studies.

It also highlights several successful initiatives and recommends strategies for various stakeholders to collaborate to scale-up Indigenous food sovereignty across the province.

Gap Analysis of Funding for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (2022)

The Province, as guided by the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF) contracted Osier Consulting to complete a gap analysis for funding programs supporting Indigenous agriculture and food projects. The purpose of this project is to inform and improve the integration of Indigenous food and agriculture interests and opportunities in future program and policy design. The project contributed to IACAF’s Strategic Plan Year 1 actions to: Commission a gap analysis for Indigenous agriculture across B.C. to identify policy, legislation and program gaps, address barriers and create opportunities for Indigenous peoples in the agriculture and food sector. 

• Gap Analysis of Funding for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (2022) (PDF, 1 MB)

Gathering of Indigenous-Led Organizations in Agriculture and Food (2023)

The Gathering of Indigenous-Led Organizations in Agriculture and Food was a collaboration between the Province, the Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty (project coordination and management  / lead author), and the Kamloops Food Policy Council (administrative host). The purpose of the Gathering was to gather input from a broader representation of Indigenous-led organizations involved in agriculture and food to inform how the ministry can structure future programming to meet the wide variety of needs of Indigenous-led organizations in a distinctions-based approach. The Gathering also intended to improve understanding and relationships between those present.

• Gathering of Indigenous-Led Organizations in Agriculture and Food (2023) (PDF, 7.4 MB)

Video showcase

The following videos showcase a few examples of innovative approaches to farming and food security undertaken by Indigenous communities across the province, highlighting the work of Lytton and Tsawwassen First Nations.

Looking back

IACAF’s first 3-year strategic plan 2021-2024 (PDF, 3.9 MB) prioritized action in three areas:

• Strengthen Indigenous food security, food sovereignty, and build food system resilience
• Address barriers and create economic opportunities
• Foster inclusive Indigenous governance and support self-determination

Year 1 (2021-2022) focused on research and information gathering to fill vital data gaps and inform the council’s advice to the ministry, including the Gap Analysis of Funding for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (2022) (PDF, 1 MB). Also see 2021-2022 IACAF Report.

Year 2 (2022-2023) focused on mobilizing recommendations through program design and other initiatives, including working with other Indigenous-led organizations and providing advice and guidance on the creation and design of a $1.14M funding program to support Indigenous food systems and strategic initiatives with Indigenous-led partner organizations. See Gathering of Indigenous-Led Organizations in Agriculture and Food (2023) (PDF, 7.4 MB). 

Year 3 (2023-2024) saw IACAF’s advice on priorities and approaches to support Indigenous Peoples’ food systems mobilized to inform the ministry’s prioritization and design of the new $30M Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Grant Program delivered by New Relationship Trust (2023-2025). This funding contribution to NRT is the largest and most significant ministry funding commitment towards Indigenous food systems to date and the program delivery model represents an important shift toward supporting Indigenous-led service provision.

More details on IACAF’s accomplishments and other work underway at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food to advance reconciliation and the implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act can be found in the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Declaration Act Action Plan Annual Report under Goal 4.48. Don’t miss the spotlight story, When the tide is out, the table is set: restoring Nuu-chah-nulth Sea Gardens.

IACAF and the ministry are engaged in a strategic reflection and planning process to guide IACAF’s work in coming years.

News releases

• New council helps Indigenous agriculture grown in B.C. (July 14, 2021)
• Indigenous communities, businesses get support to increase food security (September 21, 2022)
• Indigenous-led projects support food sovereignty, food security in B.C. (May 16, 2023)
• New funding expands support for Indigenous food sovereignty (July 27, 2023)

Membership