Government of Canada supports Indigenous-led effort to create reindeer herd agribusiness in the Inuvialuit Settlement Region

INUVIK, NT, Aug. 27, 2026 /CNW/ -- Reindeer husbandry is a culturally rooted and historically significant practice that has provided food security and economic opportunities to Inuvialuit families for nearly a century. The Mackenzie Delta herd–Canada's only reindeer herd–plays a vital role in Arctic agriculture, contributing to local food systems, community resilience, and the preservation of traditional livelihoods. Working together with Indigenous partners, the Government of Canada is supporting strategic opportunities that will leverage the herd to advance food sovereignty, economic resilience, and cultural revitalization across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR).

Today, the Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories, on behalf of the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced an investment of up to $885,225 for the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization (ICEDO) through the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program.

With this support, the ICEDO will create a strategic plan to transform management of the reindeer herd from a community food security effort into a self-sustaining agribusiness. The plan will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for infrastructure investments, workforce development, market expansion, and operational sustainability in Canada's most remote and agriculturally challenging region.

This initiative exemplifies Indigenous-led innovation, with the Inuvialuit community driving priorities rooted in their traditional values and long-term goals. The project will integrate the Inuvialuit's deep knowledge of food sharing, environmental stewardship and cultural practices with modern agricultural technologies and market strategies.

The Government of Canada will continue to support Indigenous Peoples as they lead the way in shaping initiatives that advance local food security and strengthen economic development, all while preserving traditional practices within their communities.

Quotes

"We are committed to supporting Indigenous-led initiatives that drive economic growth and food security. Through this project, we are honouring the traditions and knowledge of the Inuvialuit community while fostering a sustainable future that celebrates and preserves their unique identity and way of life. It's a testament to the power of collaboration between the Government of Canada and Indigenous communities to build a more resilient and prosperous future for the North."
     - The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"For nearly a century, the Mackenzie Delta reindeer herd has been an important source of food, opportunity, and connection for Inuvialuit families. This investment ensures the continued success of a vital cultural practice by advancing the community's vision for a self-sustaining agribusiness that will strengthen northern food security and Indigenous economic development. Our government is proud to support this initiative and continue our work in partnership with Inuvialuit to promote self-determination, long-term prosperity, and ensure this unique northern tradition thrives for generations to come."
     - The Honourable Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for the Northwest Territories

"For Inuvialuit, food security is about more than access to food -- it is about our right to make decisions for ourselves, to strengthen our communities and to carry forward the knowledge and practices that have sustained us for generations. This investment supports Inuvialuit-led solutions that build food sovereignty, create opportunity and help ensure our people can continue to rely on healthy, local and culturally important foods now and into the future."
     - Jordan McLeod, acting chair, Inuvialuit Regional Corporation

Quick Facts

• Established in 1984, the Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization (ICEDO) is an Indigenous-owned not-for-profit entity under the Inuvialuit Regional Corporation (IRC) that supports Inuit communities across the Inuvialuit Settlement Region (ISR). The organization is focused on creating opportunities that support cultural preservation, community wellness, and economic growth through initiatives such as country food programs, tourism development, and land-based projects.
• In 2021, ownership and management of the Mackenzie Delta reindeer herd was transferred to the ICEDO. Since then, the organization has successfully grown the herd from approximately 1,500 to 7,000 animals.
• The Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP) funds projects that support the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector in identifying and advancing strategic opportunities.

Additional Links

• Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program
• Inuvialuit Community Economic Development Organization

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Contacts: For media: Jennica Klassen, [email protected], Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food | Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972, [email protected]