First Ever Indigenous Ag Summit Featured in Agribition
- Judy Bird | November 12, 2013
The first annual Indigenous Agriculture Summit was held in Regina as part of the Canadian Western Agribition. Speakers from Canada and the U.S. presented on topics from historical land use to current agricultural practices.
The first presentation set the record straight on the history of land use by indigenous people in Saskatchewan prior to treaties and the arrival of settlers.
"We were very resilient and resourceful people, given what was in front of us," said Dr. Shauneen Pete as she addressed the delegates. "The idea of agricultural participation was part of our vision of how we would sustain ourselves. This was not new."
In the years after signing treaties, detrimental government policies restricting movement, coupled with practices of providing substandard supplies, made it difficult for First Nations to succeed.
"I think that's the hardest part for mainstream (society) to understand. People need to understand so we can move forward," said Elmer Eashappie, Committee Chair for the event and a Canadian Western Agribition Director. Eashappie was instrumental in creating the summit, and for making it part of Agribition.
In recent decades, First Nations have created their own agricultural success, and this summit was a venue for them to share their stories. Cattle programs, land stewardship, orchards, and youth programs were some of the successes featured in the two days of conference presentations. Other topics included looking beyond Saskatchewan to learn what others are doing in British Colombia and the U.S, and how they work effectively with federal government policies in agriculture.
"It's evident that people want to make a difference; otherwise they wouldn't be here today. Im hoping the story gets out and it inspires other First Nations bands, indigenous leadership, tribes, and people to start thinking about agriculture. Let's face it, we have a lot of land; unfortunately its not being utilized in a way that can create that economic sustainability," said Eashappie. "When I thought about the Indigenous Agriculture Summit, I thought there's got to be a better way for First Nations not only in Canada but the United States to utilize their land, to make economic development. Wherever you have economic development, you have jobs, people prosper, everybody benefits."