Indigenous entrepreneurs speak to issues in Canadian agriculture [Video]

Indigenous entrepreneurs spoke about the challenges they face in agricultural business, and the importance of community, at the recent Future of Food Conference in Ottawa.

Wabanaki Maple CEO and founder Jolene Johnson, Manitoulin Brewing Company co-owner Nishin Meawasige and Kitasoo Development Corporation general manager Isaiah Robinson spoke on a panel moderated by National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food president and CEO Kallie Wood.

Why it matters: Entrepreneurs say Indigenous agricultural businesses often lack funding and attention.

Meawasige expressed gratitude for his home of Manitoulin Island, for which his craft beer company is named.

“It’s a wonderful place, and growing up there and raising the family, we decided we want to start a craft brewery,” he said. “It’s been an amazing ride as an Indigenous business working and building that business …