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A visit to Vancouver by a U.S. trade delegation made up of Indigenous farmers and agribusiness owners could lead to more Indigenous-produced food in B.C. grocery stores.
It could also be a step toward re-establishing long-dormant trade relationships between Indigenous people in both countries.
The first-ever trade mission, which wraps up Friday, brought together representatives from 14 American Indigenous agribusinesses and 13 American Indigenous leaders with Canadian food importers and buyers, as well as representatives from B.C. First Nations.
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An event at a Save-On-Foods store in North Vancouver allowed the group to showcase Indigenous food, including tea produced in Texas and coffee roasted in B.C.
Canada, and B.C. in particular, represents a strong potential market for Indigenous-produced food, according to Chef Ben Jacobs, a member of the Osage Nation.
“There is an emphasis on food quality, source, and the story behind it,” he said.
Among members of the American trade mission were those that produce salmon, wine, honey, wild rice, beef, poultry, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and sauces.
Inez Cook, owner of Vancouver Indigenous restaurant Salmon n’ Bannock, said she was excited to learn about Indigenous products and make connections, but there isn’t enough awareness of Indigenous-produced food and businesses in B.C.
When someone sees a Greek restaurant or a sushi restaurant in Vancouver, they understand what that means, she said. “But being the only Indigenous restaurant, we fall off the radar.”
Cook said the U.S. seems to be ahead of Canada in terms of promoting Indigenous-produced food.
Bill Helin, co-founder of B.C.-based Spirit Bear Coffee Company, said efforts to introduce more Canadian Indigenous products to the U.S. have been challenging.
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“But the momentum and the opportunities seem to be there right now, so I’m positive,” he said.
While the trade mission is focused on finding new markets for American Indigenous-produced food, there is a “much larger conversation going on” in the background about promoting Indigenous peoples’ participation in international trade, said Alexis Taylor, the United States’ Department of Agriculture under-secretary for trade and foreign agricultural affairs.
While Canada is part of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement with Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, the U.S. is an official observer.
Taylor said there is an awareness of the traditional trade relationships and routes used by Indigenous people before there were borders.
Canada ranks among the top markets for U.S. agricultural product exports, with total U.S. agricultural and related product exports totalling $28.2 billion in 2023.
“Tribal agribusinesses produce products that represent a unique and significant element of the American agricultural economy and culture,” said Taylor. “Showcasing products from Tribal and Native Hawaiian producers is long overdue, and the Canadian market could not be a better fit.”
Minnesota Lieutenant-Governor Peggy Flanagan, who was also part of the trade delegation, said she was hopeful about future opportunities.
“These are businesses that strengthen our communities and deserve investment,” she said.
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