Indigenous Food Pathways Program

The Indigenous Food Pathways Program provides strategic capacity-building funding. Funding can be used to create new projects, enhance existing programs, or improve group operations for Indigenous-led food systems and food security initiatives that act as disruptors to known systemic barriers. Projects funded are intended to act as catalysts to generate positive change that supports Indigenous peoples’ self-determination over their food systems, and their participation in the food and agriculture sectors. These projects will create shared benefits that support the self-determined priorities of Indigenous peoples and more equitable, decolonized food systems.

Funding information

• Supports eligible expenses up to $200,000
• Maximum amount approved will depend on project demand and impact
• Approved activities must be completed within 13 months of approval
• Minimum project amount is $50,000
• Maximum of fifteen (15) percent of the budget may go towards capital expenses
• Ten (10) percent of the budget can be allocated towards administrative costs

Program staff will work on project deliverables and disbursement timelines based on the needs of the project for successful completion.

Cost-sharing 

Up to seventy-five (75) percent in funding may be provided toward eligible project costs to a maximum of $200,000. Funds are non-transferable and must only be used for the approved project. 

Program eligibility 

Both new projects or programs, and existing initiatives that are expanding, are eligible to apply. 

Eligible applicants must be based in B.C. and include:

• An Indigenous government, community, or Indigenous led non-profit organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, economic development corporation, not-for-profit other Indigenous organization, or association); or
• An Indigenous business or entrepreneur engaged in food production and/or processing (including a for-profit or social enterprise, cooperative or institution, or other Indigenous business, partnership or joint venture)

NOTE: An Indigenous-led not-for-profit is defined as a not-for-profit organization where Indigenous persons have at least 51% decision making power. An Indigenous business is defined as a business where an Indigenous person(s) has/have at least 51% ownership and control of the business. Indigenous entrepreneurs are defined as independent business owners, including sole proprietors and limited companies and partnerships owned by, or where the majority of shares are held by, an individual or family members, resident in the Province of British Columbia.

Applicant criteria 

• Funding for projects will not be a stand-alone source of funds as applicants must be willing and able to pay a portion of the costs of the project
• Approved applicants can only have one project funded by the program at a time  
• Businesses/entrepreneurs must have a minimum 51% Indigenous ownership structure with the underlying Indigenous ownership and control being in proportion to the amount of equity invested in the business  
• On Reserve projects may require evidence of support or land-use approval from the appropriate governing body or organization with that authority

Application process 

1. Applicant contacts Indigenous Food Pathways program staff to discuss the proposed project scope and potential alignment with the funding program. An application form will be sent after alignment is confirmed.
2. The applicant completes an application form and submits the application with the required documents. The application requires the following information:  

   • Application Form

   • Supporting Documents (if applicable)

3. Application will be evaluated based on the goals and objectives for the program.
4. Approved applicants will receive an email confirming the approval of their application, outlining next steps. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email with a referral to the B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service to assist in finding alternative supports.
5. Applicant coordinates and manages the project. Indigenous Food Pathways program staff are available for support throughout the project.
6. Applicant completes their project and submits project deliverables and supporting documents to receive funding. Program staff will work with the applicant on the development of deliverables and disbursement timelines, based on the project’s distinct needs.

Forms

Indigenous Food Pathways Program Guide (PDF, 480KB)

Indigenous Food Pathways Program Poster (PDF, 288KB)

Application Form – Please email IndigenousFoodSystems@gov.bc.ca to discuss project alignment first.

Contact us 

The Province is committed to supporting the success of Indigenous communities, governments, businesses, and organizations in meeting their goals in food sovereignty, food security and the agriculture and food sector. We understand that Indigenous communities, governments, businesses, and organizations may have distinct characteristics reflecting regulatory, operational, cultural, and other factors. We aim for flexibility in our program delivery to reduce barriers and ensure the accessibility of our programs. If you are interested in applying to the program but have questions about the application process or eligibility criteria, please contact program staff and we will respond promptly.

Completed applications, questions, final reports, and other follow-up matters can be submitted to IndigenousFoodSystems@gov.bc.ca.

Funding for the Indigenous Food Pathways Program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.