The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) has partnered with Canadian Food Focus (CFF) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to highlight Indigenous agricultural knowledge and promote inclusive food education across Canada. This partnership is rooted in respect, cultural integrity, and a shared vision for reconciliation and sustainable food systems.
The MOU, effective from April 15, 2025, aims to elevate Indigenous voices in national discussions about agriculture and food. "Through this partnership, we are ensuring Indigenous voices are recognized and respected in national conversations about agriculture and food,” said Kallie Wood, President and CEO of the NCIAF. “This collaboration with Canadian Food Focus allows us to highlight the rich food traditions and agricultural practices of Indigenous communities across the country.”
The collaboration focuses on four key areas:
Storytelling and Content Creation: Sharing Indigenous knowledge and traditions through articles, videos, and podcasts.
Education and Outreach: Creating materials and campaigns to help Canadians learn more about Indigenous food systems.
Community Engagement: Organizing events and workshops to connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
Capacity Building: Supporting Indigenous youth through mentorship and leadership opportunities in agriculture.
“We are excited to work with NCIAF to share and advance Indigenous voices and to engage consumers with stories of Indigenous Peoples’ deep understanding of food harvesting, farming, hunting, and fishing practices,” said Dorothy Long, Managing Director for Canadian Food Focus
NCIAF will help identify communities and knowledge holders for content creation, while CFF will offer communication tools and a national platform. Regular meetings will guide the partnership and ensure progress over the next three years.
This initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive education and cultural understanding, strengthening connections between food, community, and tradition across Canada.