JEDI recently completed our first webinar series. We spent 5 weeks discussing Agri-Food & Agriculture and how Indigenous Peoples in New Brunswick can tap into this expanding industry. The first week of the series included a re-introduction of agriculture to First Nations Communities and an overview of a thriving community food center in Natoaganeg.
Our speakers included:
Darren Cook, a Mohawk from St. Regis Reserve who has had an extensive career at Agriculture Canada that spanned over 35 years. During the last 5 years he has been retired but is still working with Indigenous students and is involved in community engagement across the country.
Darren discussed:
Building awareness of agriculture
Engaging First Nation youth in agriculture
Sharing various job opportunities within agriculture for youth
Listen to Darren at 15:12 of the video to hear him discuss why youth being involved in agriculture is so important for communities.
Savannah Fortin-Ferguson, a Swampy Cree from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, located in Treaty 5. She is a graduate from the University of Ottawa and currently a Student Councilor with Agriculture Canada’s Indigenous Student Recruitment Initiative, from which she is also an alumni.
Savannah discussed:
Taking pride in working towards food security and agriculture in First Nation communities
Indigenous representation within agriculture and partnerships with communities
Listen to Savannah’s presentation at 31:24 of the video when she talks about the importance of food security and agriculture within Indigenous communities.
Erica Ward, from Natoaganeg First Nation is the Manager of the Natoaganeg Community Food Center. Born and raised in Eel Ground (Natoaganeg) First Nation, her connection to its members and traditional values runs strong. Erica is extremely passionate about establishing community bonding over healthy real food.
Erica discussed:
Putting real traditional food back onto people’s plates at the community food center
Healthy food access and the programming that they offer at the center
Drop-in meals and food bank
Listen to Erica’s presentation at 39:26 of the video to learn all about the Natoaganeg Community Food Center.
To watch the full webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_HigSewTKQ
Stay tuned for our next blog post in this 5-part Webinar Series!