Niriqatiginnga: Towards a Framework for Northern Food Systems Innovation

Between May 2023 and June 2024, a pilot initiative was carried out in Winnipeg, Manitoba to address food insecurity in northern Indigenous communities. This project focused on fostering collaborative partnerships among diverse stakeholders, including farmers, food producers, and innovators in food systems.

The initiative was structured as an emergent, experimental land lab developed from scratch with minimal initial resources. Its aim was to prototype a replicable model that could be adapted to urban, rural, and remote regions.

Key areas of exploration included integrating traditional knowledge, advancing technological solutions, and leveraging data-driven strategies to tackle food insecurity in the North. The project emphasized capacity-building efforts, identifying skill sets necessary to seize new and emerging market opportunities for Indigenous food enterprises in Manitoba and the surrounding region. It also promoted evidence-based discussions on policy and supply chain innovation to uncover fresh opportunities for research and development in northern food systems.

Funding support for the pilot program was provided in 2023 through the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Program’s Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems initiative, in partnership with Manitoba Agriculture. In April 2024, the project received additional backing from Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada's Indigenous Intellectual Property Protection Program.

Community engagement launched in Winnipeg in July 2023 and continued throughout the pilot phase. Leveraging prior co-designed, participatory strategies, the initiative connected with a diverse range of stakeholders. These included First Nations, Inuit, and Red River Métis youth and Elders from various Manitoba and Kivalliq Nunavut communities, alongside local food producers, entrepreneurs, northern community programs, government representatives, and academic institutions.

From September 2023 to June 2024, a series of in-depth meetings, roundtable discussions, and informal consultations provided critical insights. These varied perspectives will inform future program iterations, ensuring its goals are sustainable, actionable, and aligned with community-driven priorities.

Driving Economic Reconciliation and Sustainability

The pilot program, conducted in 2023-2024, was developed to complement the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy. It emphasized the inherent rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in shaping their economic futures and achieving prosperity. Moving forward, expanding these dialogues to include more voices will help foster a more inclusive and sustainable green economy that benefits all.

Acknowledging Community and Creative Leadership

We extend our deepest gratitude to the extraordinary team whose collective efforts have been pivotal in advancing food security research, participatory arts, and community-building initiatives. Each member brought unique talents, perspectives, and unwavering dedication, exemplifying the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change.

Anastasia Broman, Connor Johnson, Alvaro Serrano, Lesley McGaster and Ellis Anderson, passionate volunteers and students from MCAD, contributed their creativity and energy to the Niriqatiginnga food security initiative in Manitoba, blending artistic innovation with community service. Lucy and Paul Eetak and Tony Eetak, artists from Arviat, Nunavut, played vital roles as cultural connectors, sharing traditional knowledge and fostering stronger ties within and beyond their communities. Tony’s recognition as a National Role Model by Global Dignity Canada further underscores his leadership and commitment.

Visionaries such as Kami Norland and David Ly, practitioners of sustainable innovation, helped shape strategies that align ethical practices with community empowerment. Jamie Bell's interdisciplinary artistry and regenerative design work added depth and creativity to the initiative, while the academic leadership of Dr. Olaf Kuhlke from MCAD and Dr. Wenqing Zhang from the University of Minnesota Duluth provided invaluable insights into arts entrepreneurship and supply chain management.

Together, this remarkable group has demonstrated how collaboration and innovation can address complex challenges, inspire others, and build thriving, interconnected communities. We are profoundly grateful for their contributions and their enduring impact on our shared mission.