WGIFS | From the Ground Up Toolkit

Supporting Food Sovereignty Through Community-Led Resources

The Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty (WGIFS) is helping communities reclaim their food systems with tools rooted in Indigenous knowledge, self-determination, and cultural connection. With support from the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Grant, WGIFS developed the From the Ground Up Toolkit—a guide designed to support communities in rebuilding local food sovereignty from a grassroots level.

What’s Happening at WGIFS

The toolkit is more than just a resource—it’s a movement. It includes teachings, strategies, and real-world examples that help First Nations restore traditional food practices, implement sustainable systems, and strengthen community through food.

By blending Indigenous ways of knowing with contemporary tools, the From the Ground Up Toolkit helps communities approach food sovereignty in a way that’s holistic and adaptable.

As shared in the video, “This is about feeding our people, our spirits, and our futures.”

Why Tools Like This Matter for BC First Nations

Access to food is only one part of food security. True food sovereignty means restoring knowledge systems, strengthening local economies, and connecting to culture through the land. Across BC, First Nations are leading this shift—and resources like the WGIFS toolkit are helping communities take action, their way.

This project supports long-term resilience while ensuring cultural teachings are passed on to the next generation.

About the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Grant

This grant provides non-repayable funding to First Nation communities, Indigenous organizations, and entrepreneurs in BC working to strengthen Indigenous food systems. Eligible projects include food production, land-based learning, education, and tools like community-led toolkits.