Context
Since 2018, the Atikamekw Nehirowisiwok community of Opitciwan has been developing a variety of agri-food projects in collaboration with CISA, intending to strengthen their food autonomy. Through this partnership, several collective and community food production models have been tested, using a participatory approach.
The co-creation of spaces—such as greenhouses and community gardens—along with related projects has also helped bring to light some key needs that form the basis of this new initiative. These include the need for networking and collaboration among the different sectors involved in agri-food within the community, as well as the need to develop local expertise. One example is the production of fertile soil, as communities often face challenges around procurement due to transport and purchase costs.
Project Objectives
In close collaboration with the community, this project aims to achieve three main objectives:
- Produce fertile soil locally by grinding and using an abundant native plant species: speckled alder (Alnus incana).
- Develop local expertise with the support and collaboration of the Biopterre CCTT.
- Establish a local governance model to take leadership of the project, with mechanisms that facilitate networking across the sectors involved.
The project ultimately seeks to foster the emergence of a governance model for agri-food projects in Opitciwan, build local know-how in producing soil adapted to the region, and, if desired, share this expertise with other Atikamekw communities.
Ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie (MEIE)
