The Fort Simpson Métis Development Corporation’s plans for a local bison farm and processing facility are closer to fruition after a second cash infusion from the federal government.
The project, called Bison Farm to Fork, has received a $705,500 grant as part of its participation in phase two of the Northern Food Innovation Challenge (NFIC).
“We are very excited about this food security initiative,” acting Fort Simpson Métis Development Corporation (FSMDC) president Danny Peterson stated in a news release. “This project has the potential to address food security in our region and provide meaningful employment opportunities – careers, for our people.”
The Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) launched the NFIC in 2021, with the objective of addressing the North’s food security challenges at a local level.
In the first phase of the project, FSMDC received $212,080 to undertake a feasibility study, facilitate community engagement sessions and cover other initial costs.
The $705,500 sum the FSMDC received for phase two of NFIC will allow the organization to begin preparing a site for its processing plant, purchase equipment, hire project managers and other staff and continue researching the feasibility of establishing a bison herd near Fort Simpson.
When the initiative is concluded, the hope is that it will be a source of high-quality food at reasonable prices, and a source of employment for people in the community.
“The Fort Simpson Métis Development Corporation is now positioned to continue their innovative work to improve food security in their community,” said Michael McLeod, member of Parliament for the NWT. “With this additional investment through the Northern Food Innovation Challenge, a bison meat processing facility can be developed, meaning residents will gain new pathways to affordable food options.”
There are three other projects included in phase two of the NFIC.
The Ilisaqsivik Society in Clyde River received $1 million in federal funding to scale up a project that is teaching young people to hunt and process traditional country food for the community.
The Qajuqturvik Community Food Centre in Iqaluit received $400,000 for a similar project, which has seen hunters providing country food for residents of the city on a “pay what you can” model.
Farther west, the Indigenous-led Yukon First Nation Education Directorate received $845,000 to support the creation of a kitchen facility in Whitehorse, which will enable the processing and storage of wild game in an urban setting.
“Over the last two years, each participant in both phase one and two of the challenge has worked hard to develop excellent programs which are locally-led, innovative, and creative solutions that overcome some of the challenges with Northern food systems,” said Dan Vandal, minister of Northern Affairs and CanNor. “As we continue into phase two, our government is committed to continue supporting important work by community leaders and strengthening collaboration with Northern and Indigenous partners who continue to contribute greatly to food security in their respective regions.”