First Nations Ag Meeting in Victoria

Aboriginal Agriculture :: Growing culture, honouring tradition
Indigenous Farm Conference & Tradeshow

Aboriginal Agricultural Education Society of British Columbia

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News Release

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 -- For Immediate Release

Victoria Hosts National Aboriginal Agriculture Leaders

Victoria - A national conference and tradeshow focused on Aboriginal
agriculture will be held at Laurel Point Inn in Victoria on May 2-3, 2007.
The event will range from the practical to the visionary and will draw
together farmers, leaders and innovators across Canada from as far away as
Nunavut.  "Aboriginal Agriculture: Growing Culture, Honouring Tradition"
will seamlessly link cutting-edge practices with traditional knowledge.    

"This year, the conference and tradeshow will emphasize green food
production and explore issues like food security, niche marketing and small
scale processing," said Chief Harold Aljam of the Coldwater Band. "The
purpose of the conference is to share stories, present model solutions,
network, and showcase producers and youth innovations."

"We, as First Nations people, have always lived off the land whether it is
hunting, fishing, gathering or farming. Let's continue that and find ways
to help our youth take on that lifestyle," said Maynard McRae Jr.,
nominated for a young farmer award.

"The event will cover everything from cows to clams and many other
value-added products, including industrial hemp, biodiesel and eco-farming
technologies," said Lesley Dale, program manager of the Aboriginal
Agriculture Education Society of British Columbia.

The Victoria event, May 2nd and 3rd, is expected to attract hundreds of
leaders including chiefs and councillors, economic development officers,
Aboriginal farmers, organizations interested in food security issues, and
small food processors.

Lead sponsors of the event include the First Nations Agricultural Lending
Association, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, and Coast Capital and
Vancity credit unions. Services were also provided by Diana's Monogramming
of Armstrong, BC and Menzies Printers of Kamloops, BC.

Featured speakers include Josh Duncan of the Native Brotherhood of BC.
Awards will be presented to distinguished senior and youth farmers by the
Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Lands.

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