Indigenous Food Systems & Agriculture Skills & Training

ISAT supports Indigenous Nations, communities, businesses, and organizations in increasing Indigenous participation in agriculture, seafood, food processing and related community economic development initiatives.

Eligible Applicants

To be considered eligible for this program, an applicant must be in the Province of British Columbia, and must be:

• an Indigenous government, community, or Indigenous led organization (including a band or tribal council, government of a self-governing First Nation or Métis Nation Chartered Community, Society or Association, economic development corporation, not-for-profit other Indigenous organization¹, or association); or
• an Indigenous business² or entrepreneur³ engaged in food production and/or processing with a minimum of 2 years in operation (including a for-profit or social enterprise, cooperative or institution, or other Indigenous business, partnership or joint venture).

¹ An Indigenous led not-for-profit is defined as a not-for-profit organization where Indigenous persons have at least 51% decision-making power.

² An Indigenous business is defined as a business where an Indigenous person(s) has/have at least 51% ownership and control of the business.

³ Indigenous entrepreneurs are defined as independent business owners, including sole proprietors and limited companies and partnerships owned by, or where the majority of shares are held by, an individual or family members, resident in the Province of British Columbia.

Guiding Principles for Projects

Proposed projects should align with the following principles:

• Build labour market capacity and identify innovative approaches.
• Engage employers, communities, service providers and clients in driving new/improved employment practices.
• Have potential for broader application, such as informing/influencing future program/policy development or for projects in other areas/regions to learn from (demonstration purposes).
• Include a sound research model and project evaluation.
• Not establish a need for ongoing government funding after project completion.

Maximum Funding Amounts

The 2023/24 intake for ISAT will accept applications for funding from $25,000-$80,000. Funding is non-repayable and there is no minimum cost-share requirement for this program.

Eligible Activities/Expenses

This program funds activities involved in training and skills development, peer-to-peer learning, and knowledge-sharing to support the revitalization of cultural and economic food harvesting and production practices.

Eligible project activities and expenditures include:

• Skills and training programs to increase Indigenous participation in agriculture, seafood, food processing and related community economic development initiatives.
• Identify need for and/or develop Indigenous-specific and led training, skills development and/or peer-to-peer learning programs and/or curriculum.
• Projects that support the revitalization of cultural and economic food harvesting and production processing practices through training, knowledge transfer and/or peer-to-peer learning.
• Revitalizing traditional production methods and knowledge, such as:
  • Food harvesting,
  • Food preservation, and.
  • The production of culturally appropriate foods

Ineligible Activities/Expenses

The following activities and expenses are not eligible for funding:

• Costs incurred prior to January 1, 2024 (no retroactive costs will be considered).
• Applicants who do not meet the eligibility requirements of the program.
• Any costs not specifically required for the execution of the project.

Notifications & Obligations