The Anishinabek Nation is preparing an Agricultural Economic Blueprint to encourage more Indigenous communities to participate in Ontario’s agri-food sector.
On Oct. 1, the province announced it’s providing up to $550,335 over three years to support the endeavour.
With the funds, the Anishinabek Nation will develop resources, tools, and agricultural training for member First Nation communities, businesses and entrepreneurs located in the Southwest, Southeast, Lake Huron, and Northern Superior regions, facilitating their involvement in the agri-food sector, while building partnerships with the larger agricultural community.
The project will also help more youth to participate in and prepare for careers in the industry.
Reg Niganobe, grand council chief of the Anishinabek Nation, said the blueprint would provide “resources, tools and training opportunities” to enable member communities to participate more fully in the agriculture and agri-food sectors.
“The outcome of this agreement will allow us to build a strong foundation which will create opportunities and economic growth to help our rural citizens prepare for the future,” Niganobe said in a news release.
“Traditionally, our communities have contributed to the food-based economy through fishing, the collection of wild rice, maple syrup, aquaculture, and food services.
“This agreement opens the door to new agricultural technologies and techniques which will allow us to enhance our knowledge and attract new industry while continuing to protect the environment in the face of climate change.”
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The Anishinabek Nation is a political organization representing 39 member First Nations from across Ontario. Together, the member communities have an approximate population of 65,000 citizens.
The Anishinabek Nation is headquartered in Nipissing First Nation, just outside of North Bay, and has satellite offices in Fort William First Nation, Curve Lake First Nation, and Munsee Delaware Nation.
