Gitga’at First Nation– BC New Democrat MLA Tamara Davidson says applications are now open for funding that will support Indigenous communities’ work towards greater food security and food sovereignty. 

Projects that received this funding last year are currently underway for First Nations communities on the North Coast.

“Since time immemorial, Indigenous people have been connected to, and experts on, our food systems,” said Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii. “Supporting projects like these across the province, including here on the North Coast, means protecting the legacy of First Nations knowledge and food security.”

Indigenous organizations and communities can apply for funding from now until May 20, 2025, by visiting: https://newrelationshiptrust.ca/indigenous-food-security-and-sovereignty.  

The following local projects received funding in the previous round of applications: 

• Gitga’at First Nation- $250,000 for a berry patch
• Haida Enterprise Corporation- Masset- $155,500 for fish packing
• Heiltsuk First Nation-Heiltsuk Climate Action- $249, 550 for aquaponics

The Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program, launched in 2023, is supporting on- and off-reserve Indigenous-led projects. These projects are doing work to revitalize Indigenous food harvesting, agro-ecosystems, expand capacity, boost local processing and distribution, and increase food supply and security. This work is being done across B.C., with a focus on rural and remote communities. 

Since 2023, over 100 projects have been given funding and are underway. This is part of the BC NDP government’s commitments to reconciliation, increased Indigenous participation in agriculture and food systems, and supporting Indigenous-led food sovereignty. 

Learn More: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025AF0010-000444