Métis Nation Powell River Association has received $31,425 from the federal Local Food Infrastructure Fund (LFIF) to enhance the association’s food production capabilities.
The funds will go toward construction of a greenhouse, garden beds, irrigation and beekeeping.
Project manager Russell Brewer said last fall, there was an application process for small scale projects.
“It’s something that the Métis community here was always keen on doing,” said Brewer. “We wanted to have some small-scale food production, growing food and having it close to our office [Métis Community Centre] on Marine Avenue.
“So many of our activities involve food. There’s a number of our elders and matriarchs who do so much of the work. We liked the idea of having something behind our office, with garden beds and a greenhouse to grow some food. We’re super-pleased that it came together and that we received approval.”
Brewer said the Métis association has identified a plot of land behind the association’s office.
“It will be nice to take the blackberries out and free up the ground to put in some garden beds and a greenhouse,” said Brewer. “It will spruce up the back of that area as well, which is nice. We’ll run some irrigation, because with some garden beds and a greenhouse, it will be important to have water nearby.
“There’s always worries about bears and animals getting into the garden, so we will include solar electric fencing to put around it.”
Brewer said the association has a greenhouse picked out and was awaiting the final go-ahead communication from the funders before ordering the necessary items and supplies.
“We have a bit of anxiety around the whole tariff situation and we’re hoping that doesn’t bump up the estimates from where they were in the fall,” said Brewer. “Hopefully, there won’t be too much of a change, but it is a concern.”
Brewer said that produce created in the garden will be mostly used for gatherings. He said the Métis association holds quite a few events and cultural gatherings, and food is a big part of these events.
“So, the food will be intended to be used for these purposes, but also for distribution,” said Brewer. “Some members of our community may need a bit of extra help, so we can potentially make food available that way as well.”
Brewer said the association has an amazing group of volunteers who can help with the project.
“Someone’s there on an almost daily basis, whether it’s showing up to do some crafts or beading or just gathering,” said Brewer. “There’s lots of gatherings to play music there as well. Lots of folks are excited about this project, so there will be volunteers there for sure.”
Brewer said the association has about 115 Métis citizens and close to 200 members in total. He said it is an active group.
“Having a presence with our office on Marine helps,” said Brewer. “Folks are becoming aware that there is a local chartered Métis community. It’s growing.
“We’re working to improve relationships with the Tla’amin Nation as well. So, there’s lots of events where we have more than Métis attending. All Indigenous peoples from our region attend our events, so we’re excited about that. The Métis are visitors to the Tla’amin Nation territory and we’re very well aware of that. We try to honour that in all our events as well, acknowledging that we are guests of the nation’s territory here.”
According to a media release, as part of the $62.9-million announcement in federal budget 2024, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is delivering the renewed LFIF, which mobilizes $42.7 million to support production-focused projects. The program aims to improve community food security and resilience through the purchase and installation of infrastructure, the release stated. This support will help increase access and availability of local, nutritious and culturally appropriate food, with a priority focus on equity-deserving groups within communities.
The small-scale projects component provides grant funding between $25,000 and $100,000 to support infrastructure projects, such as a community garden with an irrigation system, a greenhouse with solar panels, or a food forest.
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