Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Saskatoon Tribal Council (STC) signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) recently that will enhance training and applied research for Indigenous food sovereignty, research the potential for new horticulture programs, and identify key industrial and funding partners to support the initiative. 

“Partnering with STC on this important food sovereignty project demonstrates our commitment to the Indigenous communities we serve,” says Dr. Anne Neufeld, Sask Polytech provost and vice president, Academic. “Working together on this initiative will enable us to provide students with enhanced learning and applied research opportunities that will result in innovative, sustainable models for Indigenous food sovereignty.” 
Projects could include new programs that provide certification for students interested in rural and urban horticulture systems. Other opportunities include training in the design, construction and operation of horticultural facilities or development of community-based food production systems using Indigenous plant species. 
“This MOU is an example of how our on-going partnerships provide the initial steps to creating and engaging in new opportunities for our community and members,” says Tribal Chief Felix Thomas, Saskatoon Tribal Council. “This MOU is the first step in engaging our membership in new vocations and roles that they otherwise would have over-looked.”