Tzeachten First Nation’s Food Initiative

Building Sustainable Food Security Through Community and Innovation

Tzeachten First Nation is creating long-term, community-driven solutions to food insecurity through its Sustainable Food Security Initiative, made possible with support from the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Grant. With a focus on growing space, crop variety, and new technology, the Nation is working to ensure year-round access to fresh, healthy food.

What’s Happening in Tzeachten First Nation

This project expands beyond planting—it’s about planning for the future. By increasing growing space, integrating agricultural technology (agritech), and diversifying crops, Tzeachten is reducing dependence on external food systems and building resilience from within.

A key part of the initiative is rooted in people. Elders are passing down knowledge to youth, creating an intergenerational exchange of skills and traditions. Young community members are being trained in everything from planting and pruning to pest management and harvesting—laying the foundation for food sovereignty that’s both practical and cultural.

As shared in the video, “It’s not just food we’re growing—it’s skills, confidence, and connection.”

Supporting Food Security Across BC First Nations

As grocery prices rise and access to fresh food becomes more difficult in many communities, BC First Nations are stepping up with locally led, sustainable solutions. Tzeachten First Nation’s project is a model for how food security can be woven into community development, education, and long-term planning.

About the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Grant

This grant provides non-repayable funding to First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations, and entrepreneurs in BC who are working to build or strengthen Indigenous food systems. Projects may include food production, harvesting, agritech integration, preservation, and land-based learning.