The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is receiving funds to boost food security for its residents.
The province announced funding recipients Tuesday for the Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program (IFSAP), which earmarked more than $1.1 million for 15 projects that grow farming and food processing operations in communities across the province.
The OKIB is receiving $80,000 to provide 香蕉视频直播渃ulturally safe and affordable foods香蕉视频直播� through band-owned land 香蕉视频直播� land that was recently designated to grow fruits and vegetables, traditional foods, livestock and process meat. The funds will also provide for a kitchen and pantry, cooking pit and root cellars and space for cultural activities to create job opportunities.
香蕉视频直播淭he Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program represents a meaningful step in increasing investments toward the success of Indigenous Peoples香蕉视频直播� food systems and supporting their priorities and approaches,香蕉视频直播� said OKIB chief Byron Louis, who is the chair of the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food.
香蕉视频直播�The B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food provided input on the design and scope of the program to better align with Indigenous-identified funding needs and priorities. We see this program as a reflection of the province香蕉视频直播檚 deepening awareness and commitment to Indigenous Peoples香蕉视频直播� food systems and agriculture.香蕉视频直播�
The program will allow Indigenous governments, communities and businesses to pursue increased food security and food sovereignty.
香蕉视频直播淥ur government is supporting Indigenous communities with their food security, food sovereignty and economic development goals and it is important we work together to build strong, self-sustaining food systems that respect Indigenous Peoples香蕉视频直播� rights and cultures,香蕉视频直播� said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food.
香蕉视频直播淭his program is creating more food and agriculture opportunities for Indigenous communities, and taking an important step toward the equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in the B.C. agriculture sector.香蕉视频直播�
Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu lauded her NDP government for providing the funds.
香蕉视频直播淔irst Nations communities deserve the right to express themselves culturally through food, and this funding will help the Okanagan Indian Band build on the work they are already doing towards food security and food sovereignty in their community,香蕉视频直播� said Sandhu.
The program was developed with guidance from the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food. The program is funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and the B.C. government and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.
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