COWICHAN VALLEY – BC New Democrat MLA Debra Toporowski 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 in the Cowichan Valley.
“Restoring Indigenous food systems supports all aspects of community wellbeing, ” says Debra Toporowski, MLA for Cowichan Valley. “I’m so glad we can continue to support projects like these across the Cowichan Valley.”
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:
- Cowichan First Nation – $148,800 for nurseries
- Ditidaht Development – $150,000 for a feasibility study
- Maker Pay Fishing Inc – $150,000 for refrigeration
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/32343