Agricultural development may be key to Aboriginal economic prosperity

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Agricultural development holds the key to a brighter economic future for Natives in northern Alberta, say farmers.

But without financial support the potential to develop a sustainable economy becomes almost nil. Representatives from settlement and reserves met in Slave Lake last month to participate in the second Northern Native Agriculture Development Conference. The conference was one of the few joint ventures attended by both Indian and Metis representatives, who set aside politics to deal with their common concerns.

Throughout the three-day event participants voiced the need for increased access to federal and provincial funding to develop agricultural programs.

"We're just asking to be treated like any other farmer in this province. The operations we want to start on our own need a kick-start," said Les Nooskey of Paddle River Council.

"We're not looking for handouts. We are trying to implement a process to involve people in agriculture, but we need the funds to do it."

Without being able to use their land as collateral, aboriginal farmers must rely on government help to finance new ventures. Access to information on such programs and technical advice becomes paramount in the development of a sustainable economy. Getting the information across was one of the main objectives of the conference, said organizer Don Logan.

"We felt that the problems faced by settlements and reserves are similar. Everybody's in the same boat, unemployment is high and if you're going to stay at home, agriculture is a realistic means of augmenting your income," he said.

To address the issues facing Native and Metis farmers, the conference focused on product and market development training programs.

"We're highlighting the unique untapped potential of the northern wildlife industry, such as the wild berry industry, fish farming, fur farms, as opposed to trapping. It is important to work with what we have - our land base," said Pat Mercredi, president of the Alberta Indian Agricultural Development Corporation.

Native councils are studying cattle and game ranching, both uniquely suited to marginal farm land found in northern Alberta. Paddle Prairie settlement plans to start a cattle ranch and feedlot to tap into the lucrative beef market and create jobs.

While funding remains a major issue, building an infrastructure to support economic development is also necessary to succeed, said a veteran farmer from Saddle Lake.

Fred Cardinal has worked the land for 50 years and believes patience and willingness to invest time in the long run is the only way aboriginal farmers will achieve their goals.

"Do it with a lot of commitment because that is the only thing that will make it work."