SONGHEES NATION – BC New Democrat MLAs Nina Krieger and Diana Gibson say 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 Greater Victoria.

“Food sovereignty strengthens our communities,” says Nina Krieger, MLA Victoria-Swan Lake. “Supporting Indigenous-led food programs empowers local producers, businesses, and individuals while centering on traditional food usage and practices.”

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:

• Songhees First Nation – $161,000 for a community food program

“This program is supporting the Songhees First Nation and others across B.C. to create and expand Indigenous food security and sovereignty initiatives,” says Diana Gibson, MLA for Oak Bay-Gordon Head. “This important work is strengthening our province’s food systems.”

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