The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) has partnered with the North American Agricultural Advisory Network (NAAAN) to strengthen agricultural collaboration across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), aims to promote food sovereignty and empower agricultural communities by providing technical assistance, advocating shared priorities, improving access to funding, and mentoring future agricultural leaders.
The partnership emerged after discussions at the Tri-National Accord of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture in October. Both organizations are dedicated to enhancing information sharing and fostering stronger connections within North American agricultural communities.
"This partnership with NAAAN is a significant step forward not only for the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food, but for all Indigenous food sovereignty efforts across Turtle Island," said Kallie Wood, President and CEO of NCIAF. "By uniting our strengths, we can empower Indigenous communities to thrive in agriculture, amplify their voices in policy discussions, and ensure that traditional knowledge remains a cornerstone of sustainable practices across North America, the original trading routes of our ancestors."
“This partnership exemplifies the power of crossborder cooperation in addressing shared agricultural challenges and opportunities. Together we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders in agriculture to find new and innovative ways of working together by making a difference for our countries and agricultural communities,” said Kerri Conway, Director of the NAAAN Secretariat.