Lorraine planting the seeds for Nations’ agricultural opportunities

Lorraine Thomas is getting her hands dirty in more ways than one this spring.

She is not only starting a greenhouse operation near her home at Halalt First Nation, but she is reaching out to people in other Nations in what is hoped will be a major economic development initiative.

“I am working to engage First Nations in planning, so that once again we can again produce food as an economic activity,” she said.

She has a contract with the Vancouver Island Heritage Foods Services Cooperative and the First Nations Agricultural Education Association. She has been contacting First Nations to identify current agricultural activities and other interests in food-related economic development.

“I hope to have a survey completed soon. We will also be building a aboriginal agriculture database.”

Results of the survey will be delivered at meetings on the north and south Island.

Sandra Mark, manager of the co-op, said she has high hopes for the work Lorraine is doing.

“Lorraine has been amazing and is really tilling the soil. She is developing skills, tools and connections, getting people involved and seeing what is possible.

“The work she has been doing could turn into an economic driver for many Nations.

“A lot of First Nation land is not in agricultural production, or at least it hasn’t been for years. There is a very real opportunity for First Nations to grow food, add value and outwit the system. So much of our food is grown by indigenous people in other countries who are taken advantage of by global corporations.

“Our goal is to increase the amount of food we produce on the Island and First Nations can play a major role in that.”

More info: lorraine@islandtastesensations.com

250-591-2216

www.islandtastesensations.com

www.indigenousfoodsystems.org