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Achievement and resilience in Indigenous food and agriculture

Last updated on July 2, 2025

2024 Interior Indigenous Food Forum attendees gather at Esketemc/Secwepemc community garden, south of Williams Lake, September 2024

[Caption: 2024 Interior Indigenous Food Forum attendees gather at Esketemc / Secwepemc community garden, south of Williams Lake, September 2024]

Get inspired by the projects underway across B.C. to support Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty!

Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program projects

Stories and video showcases of projects funded through the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Grant Program administer by New Relationship Trust (2023-2026) are available on NRT’s Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty YouTube Playlist. Learn more here and watch the example below.

Heiltsuk climate action | NRT's Indigenous food security and sovereignty grant

With funding provided through our Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty (IFS) Grant, the Heiltsuk Climate Action team brought together experts and students to design a sustainable aquaponics system that uses fish waste to nurture an aeroponic garden of leafy greens and other crops.

More stories of Nations rebuilding food sovereignty

Indigenous woman standing next to a lake"When the tide is out, the table is set. Restoring Nuu-chah-nulth Sea Gardens." A group of young warriors are rebuilding Clam gardens across Nuu-chah-nulth territory in an act of food sovereignty.
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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.

Tsawwassen First Nation Farm

C’eliselem is a community-led garden located within the Treaty lands of the Tsawwassen First Nation. The farm supports the community's food sovereignty and security goals while contributing to the Nation's cultural revitalization 

 

Lytton First Nation (LFN)/YeKm Food Hub

YeKm Food Hub is an agricultural resource for LFN, supporting local farmers and the LFN community. The project includes a greenhouse and garden, with plans to expand to a storage, processing, and preservation facility that will feature a retail outlet and become a hub for the community.

 

Indigenous businesses are producing high-quality food and beverages and also creating pathways for sustainability, cultural revitalization, and economic empowerment! Read about Indigenous business working with Buy BC to profile their products: 

Guiding Stories Cooking in Two Worlds cover Read about the powerful, complex, unique paths that Haida Gwaii Pantry and Northern Health Hospital Meals, Simon Fraser University Rooted Program and Coast Mountain Collage West Coast Culinary are on as they work to bring Indigenous foods into their services and programs. 

These stories are one part of extensive work underway with Indigenous chefs, Indigenous foods educators, and government partners to bring more Indigenous foods and recipes to public institutions across post-secondary and healthcare sectors, K-12 schools, correctional centers and beyond.

Indigenous chefs are championing Indigenous foods in kitchens and restaurants across the Province.

Meet Chef Paul Natrall and Chef Andrew George

Indigenous chefs who are inspired by land and nature, using local and seasonal ingredients.

Read more about Chef Paul Natrall and Chef Andrew George

Try these delicious recipes:

Learn more about market development opportunities through Feed BC and Buy BC programs. Connect directly with Buy BC staff at buybc@gov.bc.ca for guidance on market development and Buy BC opportunities.