b"1980s and 1990s, Nations started opening casinos with Enoch itselfon the project noted that thousands of acres of Band-managed now owning the largest casino in Western Canada. reserve lands are farmed by non-Indigenous grain producers. This We weren't farming as much as we wanted to be anymore. Weproject aims to restore marginal and unproductive lands on and started transitioning to other sectors for our small community,off the reserve into productive rangelands. Livestock management Morin said. The Nation currently leases out all its farmland to non- practices that maximize carbon storage are being tested with the Indigenous people to farm.future goal to create spaces for reintroducing bison.Some Indigenous Nations are working their own land though. OnWe have not lived with Brother Buffalo for over 200 years. So, we Mistawasis Nhiyawak, near Prince Albert, Sask. they have embarkedhave a lot of learning to do, and we deployed our young people to on a Living Labs project titled The Bridge to Land Water Sky withlearn the landscape that that particular herd calls home because it's Muskeg Lake Cree Nation. The project is receiving funds from thesimilar landscape to Mistawasis. So that when we return buffalo to federal government and seeks to find ways to reduce greenhouse gasMistawasis lands, well have the young people that have required emissions and strengthen climate resiliency in the agriculture sector,some understanding, some knowledge, some respect for Brother while reconnecting Indigenous people with their land. Buffalo, Dreaver Johnston said.When my ancestors selected reserve land, they knew thatOther Nations are still working to find a balance for their agriculture was coming. So, as you can see, they selected land withmembers who want to farm. On Siksika Nation near Calgary, Alta. agricultural potential, Anthony Blair Dreaver Johnston, specialthey have 180,000 acres of land with most of it being cultivated advisor to Mistawasis Nhiyawak, explained during the IFAJland and grasslands. presentation.In the 1960s, Siksika Nation was home to approximately 80 The Living Labs project is entering its second year and is the onlyranches and 40 farmers, Carlon Bigsnake shares during the IFAJ Indigenous led Living Lab. The project runs for five years and isCongress presentation. He said one day the government came to trying to reimagine a farming system where farmers and Indigenousthem and said that they didnt need to farm or ranch anymore and people work towards a common goal of improved livelihoods andinstead the government would provide relief for themthrough productive, biodiverse, climate-resilient farmlands. A news releasesocial assistance welfare. Most of the farmers and ranchers followed Fall 2023 101"