Indigenous food systems and agriculture
Last updated on July 2, 2025Indigenous food systems in British Columbia are varied and play a key role in supporting cultural, social, environmental, and economic well-being.
The Province works with First Nations and Indigenous communities and businesses achieve their goals for food security, food sovereignty, and economic development, and encourages fair participation in agriculture and food sectors. This is done through strong partnerships across different sectors, promoting understanding to turn reconciliation into action in government policies and operations, and boosting Indigenous food sector capacity.
You can learn about the efforts to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the Province’s progress on these actions, including Action 4.48. Don't miss the feature story about Nuu-chah-nulth sea gardens! Also, read about the commitments and work underway to support Indigenous food security and sovereignty in B.C.’s 2024 Poverty Reduction Strategy.
Achievement and resilience in Indigenous food and agriculture
Get inspired by the projects underway across B.C. to support Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty! Share a taste of the diverse and inspiring action led by Indigenous food champions, community leaders and knowledge holders.
B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF)
The B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF) and the province collaborate to enhance the equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in the B.C. agriculture and food sectors and support their food sovereignty objectives. [Image credit: White Raven Consulting]
Featured programs, initiatives and supports
The Province recently launched the B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service. This service is a single source for support and referral to help navigate the relevant information, tools and funding available to start or expand activities in Indigenous food systems, food sovereignty, food security and the agriculture and food sector. Indigenous-specific and other agriculture and food programs can be found on the Agriculture and Seafood Programs Page.
Indigenous food systems: toolkits and resources
Extensive toolkits and other resources are available to support Indigenous food systems and agriculture initiatives, including on topics such as infrastructure planning, market development and promotion opportunities, and technical guidance on agriculture and food processing operations.
Bringing more Indigenous foods and recipes in public institutions
Together with Indigenous chefs, Indigenous foods educators, and government partners, Feed BC has been working to support access to Indigenous and traditional foods in public institutions. Did you know that many institutions are seeking to work with Indigenous food suppliers to support the incorporation of Indigenous foods and recipes in their menus?
Emergency planning for farms and ranches
The ministry supports farmers and ranchers in B.C. through emergency preparedness and during times of emergency. The ministry is the designated lead provincial agency for responding to animal diseases, plant diseases and pest infestations and supports emergency response planning and roles in agriculture.