National Circle For Indigenous Agriculture and Food

09/30/2026

Reconciliation is in the relationship.

Building meaningful relationships with Indigenous Peoples takes time, trust, learning and a willingness to listen. The NCIAF shares why reconciliation cannot be fast-tracked—and why organizations must take responsibility for doing the work.

Read full article on our website: www.nciaf.ca/news

09/29/2026

What a wonderful day yesterday at the Kehteyak Community Garden at Ochapowace First Nation!

The Grade 6 class rolled up their sleeves and got to work harvesting the fruits of their labour, digging up root vegetables they planted in June at our Nourishing Nations Empowering Generations planting day. There were plenty of smiles as students explored, harvested, and connected with the food they helped grow.

One of the highlights of the day was uncovering the cheesecloth buried during our planting day. Students examined the condition of the cheesecloth to learn about soil health and the important role healthy soil plays in growing nutritious food.

These hands-on experiences help cultivate knowledge, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the land while showing the next generation where their food comes from.

09/29/2026

The NCIAF was honoured to be present for the Orange Shirt Day walk, a day of remembrance, reflection and honouring residential school survivors.

We join communities across the country in carrying forward the stories, teachings and calls to action that guide the work of reconciliation.

09/29/2026

09/29/2026

On September 26, the NCIAF joined more than 900 people at Curve Lake First Nation for the 7th annual Mnoominkewin Gathering: All Our Relations.

NCIAF’s Emily Nanne and Jane Williams took part in a day centred on mnoomin, culture, food, knowledge and connection — from the Sunrise Ceremony and traditional processing to canoeing, harvesting, language, music, drumming and shared meals.

For the NCIAF, the Gathering was also about relationships. Coming together around mnoomin highlighted how food connects land, water, language, cultural knowledge and community, while creating opportunities for people to learn, participate and build relationships.

Mnoominkewin offered a meaningful example of reconcili-action through food systems — bringing Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together through shared experiences, food and culture.

09/29/2026

The cahrc-ccrha is offering their Women in Agriculture Essential Leadership Skills Development Program this fall. This program is designed for women in primary agriculture or industry associations who are stepping into new leadership roles, seeking to elevate their existing management skills, or returning to the workforce.

Thanks to funding from RBC Foundation and Farm Credit Canada, a limited number of fully funded seats are available. Applications for these seats are open until September 30!

Apply here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/20181cca07147c99a47b3ea7a3b61b43?r=use1

09/28/2026

INDIGENOUS AG SUMMIT GIVEAWAY

Planning to join us at the Indigenous Ag Summit 2026? Your ticket could come with an extra bonus. Purchase your Indigenous Ag Summit 2026 ticket before November 1, 2026 and be entered to win an Indigenous prize pack valued at over $450.

Join more than 500 Indigenous agriculture and food leaders, producers, entrepreneurs, communities and partners for two days of practical knowledge, meaningful connections and real opportunities.

From production and food businesses to market access, funding and food sovereignty, the Summit is designed to help turn ideas into action.

Get your ticket: https://simpli.events/e/indigenous-agriculture-summit

Presented by Farm Credit Canada in partnership with Canadian Western Agribition and the NCIAF.

09/25/2026

The NCIAF is honoured to recognize Board Member Chief Wilton Littlechild for his lifelong leadership in advancing First Nations rights, truth and reconciliation, both nationally and internationally.

We invite you to learn more about his contributions and legacy this Truth and Reconciliation Week.

Cree lawyer, former Member of Parliament, and residential school Survivor Chief Wilton Littlechild has dedicated his life to advancing First Nations rights at the national and international levels. As a Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, he helped investigate the history and legacy of residential schools and contributed to the development of the Commission's Final Report and its 94 Calls to Action. He also played an important role in advancing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on the international stage.

This Truth and Reconciliation Week, we acknowledge his lifelong commitment that has helped shape conversations on human rights, education, reconciliation, and First Nations self-determination. Thank you for your leadership and dedication to advancing truth, reconciliation and the well-being of First Nations communities.

Photo credit: Fred Cattroll

09/25/2026

Didn’t get a chance to read our latest NCIAF newsletter? No worries — you can explore past editions anytime on our website! Stay up to date with stories, news, and opportunities in Indigenous agriculture.

Read here: https://nciaf.ca/news/newsletter-archive