Indigenous Agriculture Conference
NOVEMBER 18–19, 2025
Ranching for Profit Workshop
NOVEMBER 19–20, 2025
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
About the Conference
This year’s theme Everything Agriculture: the Support to Help You Succeed highlights a commitment to sustainability, opportunity, and growth in the agricultural sector.
This multiday event is dedicated to strengthening participation and leadership in agriculture across British Columbia and is open to everyone—whether you are Indigenous or non-Indigenous.
This gathering brings together producers, community leaders, policy makers, and innovators to explore opportunities in land-based projects, agritourism, food sovereignty, technology, business planning, and co-operative development.
Register for both events below:
The Indigenous Agri-Conference offers panel discussions, keynote presentations, cultural programming, and networking opportunities, creating a platform for collaboration, education, and investment in Indigenous agriculture. A special feature includes a high-value training focused on ranching profitability and sustainability, offering hands-on support to emerging and established Indigenous agri-entrepreneurs.
The 2-day Ranching for Profit workshop with high-value training is focused on ranching profitability and sustainability, offering hands-on support to emerging and established agri-entrepreneurs.
Event Highlights
Funding Options and Opportunities
Co-op Development and Support
Connections and Networking
Conference Registration
Where to Stay
Please call and ask for the Indigenous Agricultural Conference group discount when booking.
Indigenous Agriculture Conference Agenda
November 18
- Preconference workshops
- 9:00am–12:00pm
Cooperative First workshop
(Click Info Button Below) - 1:00–3:30pm
Indigenous Women
Entrepreneur and Indigenous Youth Entrepreneur workshop
(Click Info Buttons Below) - 5:00–7:00pm Registration & Social + Additional info Co-op IWE/IYE
November 19
- 7:30–8:45am
Breakfast & Registration - 8:45am
Opening Prayer + Song by Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir - 9:00am
Welcome address by Keith Mathew - 9:15am
Conference Overview and Welcome by George Casimir - 9:30am — Panel 1
Agriculture Partners: Fred Fortier and Erica Nitchie- Ministry of Agriculture, Bonnie Klohn and Jaimes Maine – Kamloops Food Policy Council, Chris Mckee – National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food - 10:45 am
Refreshment Break - 11:00am — Panel 2
Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems national engagement
Introduced by Shaun Soonias, VP Indigenous Relations, FCC
Led by Patrick Watson & Miya Inkster, Mokwateh - 12:00pm – 12:15pm
Indigenous Agriculture Supports you should network with today
Trista Pewapsconias, Cooperatives First - 12:15pm – Lunch Break
- 1:15pm — Panel 3
Moderator – Micheal Lebourdais
Community Projects & Access to Capital: Rocio Zielinski – Stó:lō Community Futures, Blair Gray – Thompson Country Community Futures, Dyanna Varhaug – BDC, Arlene Gojevic – Spelqweqs Development LP - 2:30pm
Refreshment Break - 2:45pm — Panel 4
Moderator: George Casimir
Developing an Agriculture Partnership – Pat McGasffey – Supreme Meats BC, Jim Bowhay & Kevin Boone - 3:30pm — Financial Management Strategies: Tyler Rice
- 4:00pm
Closing comments and questions - 5:30pm
Dinner & Entertainment
Ranching for Profit
November 19 + 20, 2025
John Locke, instructor, will lead a two day intensive Ranching for Profit workshop. Participants will learn valuable techniques to increase the financial sustainability of their operations, as well as insight into the relationship between ecology and grazing principles. This workshop is designed for farmers and ranchers looking to transform their operations into a profitable business with less work and less stress. Participants will dive deeper into the principles behind economics and increasing profitability, giving participants the tools and insights they need to improve their business.
Register Today…
PROUDLY PRESENTED BY
