Saskatchewan is home to the largest First Nation land base in Canada. Indigenous communities play a critical role in meeting the agriculture targets in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan and the Ministry of Agriculture realizes the importance of building and strengthening relationships and opportunities with Indigenous communities.
The ministry, with guidance and support from the Senior Indigenous Advisor, has formed the Building and Strengthening Indigenous Supports (BASIS) team, with specialists working to build relationships with First Nations and Métis people through agricultural programming opportunities.
Part of this team’s work is to reach out to the 74 First Nations and 12 Métis Regions in Saskatchewan to raise awareness and identify opportunities with the ministry’s agricultural programs and services.
They will pathfind for program funding and facilitate connections with other ministry specialists who have expertise in crops, greenhouse production, growing fruit and vegetable crops, invasive weed control, livestock and feed, environmental management best practices and irrigation.
Through agronomic advice and program support, the ministry aims to make connections, create opportunities and build relationships with Indigenous communities across Saskatchewan.
For more information on Indigenous agriculture opportunities, contact your local specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.