Mi’kmaq knowledge holders, growers, academics, government partners, and allies gathered on Acadia’s campus in Mi’kma’ki for two days of learning, relationship-building, and envisioning Mi’kmaq-led sustainable food futures.

Participants at the Growing Together: Mi’kmaq Knowledge, Agriculture, and Resilient Food Futures conference heard stories about collaborations between Mi’kmaq communities and the agriculture sector, learned from Elders and knowledge keepers about Mi’kmaq ecological knowledge, and discussed concrete next steps toward shared priorities.

The program also included opportunities to connect across sectors and explore potential partnerships and projects that honour land stewardship, ecological resilience, and community wellbeing.

“This Conference was the start of what attendees called a systems shift,” says Zabrina Whitman (Executive Advisor, L’nu Affairs and Indigenization).

“It was a time of hearing, sharing and relationship-building. New friendships were formed, and many walked away with immediate actions and collaborations they could get started on. Some of the visioning is long-term. The biggest takeaway is that in a world where we see so much darkness and polarity, it is refreshing to be in a space of hope, excitement and joy.”