Skip to content

Okanagan Indian Band gets funding to bolster food security

The $80,000 in funding comes from the Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Plan
32736341_web1_vegetables-color
The Okanagan Indian Band is receiving $80,000 in funding from the Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program to provide affordable foods through band-owned land, the province announced Tuesday, May 16, 2023. (Rene Cortin/Wikimedia commons)

The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) is receiving funds to boost food security for its residents.

The province announced funding recipients Tuesday for the Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program (IFSAP), which earmarked more than $1.1 million for 15 projects that grow farming and food processing operations in communities across the province.

The OKIB is receiving $80,000 to provide “culturally safe and affordable foods” through band-owned land — land that was recently designated to grow fruits and vegetables, traditional foods, livestock and process meat. The funds will also provide for a kitchen and pantry, cooking pit and root cellars and space for cultural activities to create job opportunities.

“The Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture Partnership Program represents a meaningful step in increasing investments toward the success of Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and supporting their priorities and approaches,” said OKIB chief Byron Louis, who is the chair of the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food.

The B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food provided input on the design and scope of the program to better align with Indigenous-identified funding needs and priorities. We see this program as a reflection of the province’s deepening awareness and commitment to Indigenous Peoples’ food systems and agriculture.”

The program will allow Indigenous governments, communities and businesses to pursue increased food security and food sovereignty.

“Our government is supporting Indigenous communities with their food security, food sovereignty and economic development goals and it is important we work together to build strong, self-sustaining food systems that respect Indigenous Peoples’ rights and cultures,” said Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food.

“This program is creating more food and agriculture opportunities for Indigenous communities, and taking an important step toward the equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in the B.C. agriculture sector.”

Vernon-Monashee MLA Harwinder Sandhu lauded her NDP government for providing the funds.

“First Nations communities deserve the right to express themselves culturally through food, and this funding will help the Okanagan Indian Band build on the work they are already doing towards food security and food sovereignty in their community,” said Sandhu.

The program was developed with guidance from the B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food. The program is funded by Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and the B.C. government and delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.

READ MORE: Vernon Yacht Club sailing toward food security in the Okanagan

READ MORE: ‘Unique’ program turning unsold food into meals for those in need in the North Okanagan


Brendan Shykora
Follow us: Facebook | Twitter


Brendan Shykora

About the Author: Brendan Shykora

I started as a carrier at the age of 8. In 2019 graduated from the Master of Journalism program at Carleton University.
Read more