National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food Receives $2 Million to Support Capacity Building in Indigenous-Led Bison Initiatives

MEDIA RELEASE

For Immediate Release

National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food Receives $2 Million to Support Capacity Building in Indigenous-Led Bison Initiatives

Regina, SK — [November 28, 2025] — The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) is proud to announce it has been selected as a key delivery partner under the new Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative (IPBI), receiving $2 million over three years to support capacity building, training, and mentorship across the Prairie bison sector.

Funded through the Strategic Partnership Initiative (SPI), the IPBI allows federal partners to work together to advance Indigenous-led economic development. The new investment in the NCIAF will help strengthen Prairie Indigenous communities’ participation in bison ranching by expanding access to land-based learning, business planning support, herd management training, and opportunities to connect with experts, lenders, and other Indigenous producers.

“The return of the buffalo is more than an agricultural opportunity—it is a healing opportunity. Indigenous Peoples have always held deep relationships with the buffalo as teachers, providers, and protectors. This initiative ensures that communities have the tools, knowledge, and partnerships needed to build sustainable bison herds for food sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and economic independence. The NCIAF is honoured to help lead this work alongside our federal partners and, most importantly, with the communities who have asked for this support.” — Kallie Wood, President and CEO, National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food

As a coordinating partner in the IPBI, the NCIAF will lead:

• Training and mentorship programs for emerging and existing bison producers;
• Business planning and feasibility supports tailored to community needs;
• Land-based learning opportunities for youth, Elders, and producers;
• Knowledge-sharing and networking activities, including support for a Prairie-wide Learning Herd Network;
• Connections to funding programs, financing pathways, and technical expertise to help communities build sustainable operations.

The Indigenous Prairie Bison Initiative represents a growing partnership between Indigenous communities, federal departments, scientific partners, and conservation leaders. Over the next three years, this collaboration will help strengthen a culturally grounded bison economy across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.

For Indigenous communities interested in participating or learning more about upcoming training and engagement sessions, please contact: IPBI@nciaf.ca

For media inquires please contact Justice Acoose Justice@nciaf.ca

About the National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food
The NCIAF is an Indigenous-led non-profit organization committed to advancing reconciliation in agriculture, strengthening Indigenous food systems, and supporting economic development across Canada. The NCIAF works alongside communities to remove barriers, amplify Indigenous leadership, and build sustainable, culturally grounded agricultural futures.