National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food Partners with Tea Creek Training Inc. to Strengthen Indigenous Food Sovereignty

The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) is 
thrilled to announce a transformative partnership with Tea Creek Training Inc. (Tea Creek), an award-winning, Indigenous-led initiative dedicated to land-based food sovereignty and trades training. This collaboration, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), represents a significant step forward in revitalizing Indigenous food systems and empowering Indigenous communities across Canada. 

Tea Creek’s culturally safe, land-based training programs are renowned for fostering Indigenous food sovereignty and economic independence—values that deeply aligned with NCIAF’s mission of advancing Indigenous agricultural practices. Together, the organizations aim to combine their strengths to make a lasting impact. 

Key Objectives of the Partnership: 

• Leverage Expertise: Combine NCIAF’s national reach and leadership in Indigenous agriculture with Tea Creek’s proven framework for land-based learning and skill 
development. 
• Expand Educational Opportunities: Explore potential synergies with academia and Indigenous communities to formalize learning pathways for Indigenous participants. 
• Promote Well-Being: Use joint efforts to improve overall well-being, healing, and 
confidence among Indigenous Peoples by fostering sustainable food systems and economic independence. 

"This partnership marks a pivotal moment in our mission to support Indigenous communities in reconnecting with traditional agricultural practices and achieving food sovereignty," said Kallie Wood, President and CEO of the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food. "By working alongside Tea Creek, we are creating opportunities that not only honour our heritage but also build a sustainable future for generations to come." 

“Indigenous peoples are the fastest growing population in Canada,” said Jacob Beaton, owner of Tea Creek. “At a time when farmers and food producers are in steep decline, Indigenous peoples are ready to step back into the food production economy. We look forward to working with the NCIAF on advancing the Tea Creek vision - revitalized Indigenous economies based on abundant local food. Our past is our future.”

The NCIAF and Tea Creek partnership will drive meaningful change by nurturing the skills, confidence, and self-determination needed to revitalize Indigenous food systems and cultural traditions.