Sowing a way towards revitalizing Indigenous agriculture: creating meaning from a forum discussion in Saskatchewan, Canada

Abstract

Agriculture is practiced on 3–4 million acres of First Nations reserve lands in the Saskatchewan Prairies—predominantly by non-Indigenous farmers. A confluence of factors including an increase in agricultural land holdings on reserve and greater autonomy in land management have renewed conversations on how First Nations can realize the full economic benefits and exert greater control over agricultural activities that affect the reserve land base. We hosted a Forum on Indigenous Agriculture to share current knowledge on the contemporary status of Indigenous agriculture and to co-formulate research, capacity building, and policy priorities. First Nations’ roles in agriculture are diverse and were categorized in three broad contexts: as farmers, relying on traditional Indigenous or western practice, or a synergy of both; as landlords negotiating lease agreements; and as agribusiness entrepreneurs. Five themes emerged from the forum: centring Indigenous knowledge and traditional relationships to the land, capacity building, building respectful partnerships and relationships, financing farming and equitable economies, and translating research to policy and legislation. The forum provided foundational data to inform research and capacity building to meet community-defined goals in agriculture on reserve lands and by First Nations people.

Advancing agriculture through Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in South African indigenous or black communities

“…Conducting a literature review helps one build knowledge in their field. Arcand et al (2020) argued that 'scientific' or modern knowledge systems have received increasing criticism within the social science domain while IKS are often over-optimistically presented as viable alternative ways of practicing agriculture. On the other hand, Sharma et al (2020) argues that there is a necessity to consider more effective and creative interactions between traditional knowledge and scientific knowledge systems.…”

Restoring social and ecological relationships in the agroecosystems of Canada's prairie region

“…Today, we can only imagine how Indigenous land management would have evolved with advances in technology and other societal changes, since government policies and practices actively suppressed Indigenous agricultural development and took land away from Indigenous communities (Carter, 2019; Daschuk, 2013). Through recent efforts among Indigenous communities to rebuild their capacity in agriculture, especially using agroecological production methods, important pathways are being opened toward food sovereignty and reconnection with their culture (Arcand et al, 2020).…”

Diversity, equity and inclusion policy texts in Canadian agriculture

“…Its activities to explore the needs of Indigenous agriculture and hold exhibitions continue to the present day (Norman, 2015). Others, such as Arcand et al (2020), argue that increasing Indigenous control of land may lead to the greater involvement of Indigenous Peoples in agriculture and ultimately improve economic outcomes. Nevertheless, today First Nation farmers encounter significant barriers when attempting to gain a foothold in Canadian agriculture: financial constraints, lack of access to farming technology, and a lack of an agricultural land base are some of the factors cited (Nickels, 2014).…”