Two First Nations in southern Saskatchewan have teamed up on an eco-friendly venture in an effort to achieve food sovereignty in their communities.
Leading the projects for both Little Black Bear's Band of Cree and Assiniboine, and Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation is CEO of Wakayos Developments Ltd. Shane Bellegarde, who will help establish an aquaponic facility in each region.
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Aquaponics is an aquaculture system which raises fish and uses waste produced by the fish as fertilizer for plants grown hydroponically, or without soil. "It's basically two businesses under one roof," said Bellegarde in an interview Monday, adding they will be raising steelhead trout from hatchlings up until they're big enough to be put on your plate (about 16 months).
"It's a great way to grow vegetables because you don't have to use any outside fertilizers or chemicals." Earlier this month, Bellegarde signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Muscowpetung Saulteaux Nation establishing that each First Nation owns 10 per cent of the other community's aquaponic facility.
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