Opening Remarks
The 2025 Basin Food Summit convenes. Join us for opening remarks by Will Nixon of the Columbia Basin Trust, and your Basin Food hosts of FABx25.
COMMUNITY SOAPBOX
These concise presentations serve as a springboard for broader discussions and networking. Designed to activate insights into the diversity of stakeholders in the room, these snack like presentations are sure to generate conversation and enhance our networking.
FOOD IS CULTURE: Indigenous Foodways and the Future of Our Food Systems
Chef Jared “Qwustenuxun” Williams invites us to see food not just as sustenance, but as the heart of culture, language, and relationship with the land. For thousands of years, Indigenous food systems across the Salish Sea created abundance while sustaining the ecosystems around them. While clam gardens enriched shorelines, camas meadows shaped the prairies, and salmon weirs kept rivers thriving. Every stage of these systems including harvesting, processing, preserving, and eating carried knowledge that held communities together. In this talk, Qwustenuxun shares his lived experience as an Indigenous chef working to bring these foods back to the table in the province of so-called British Columbia. He explores how traditional practices built resilience, how colonial policies disrupted that balance, and how today’s food regulations both challenge and create space for Indigenous food sovereignty. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how food systems shape society itself, and how working together can create a more sustainable and respectful future for everyone who shares this land.
Qwustenuxun Williams
INNOVATIONS IN BEE WELLNESS: ERC’s Sustainable Apiary Model
SAM (Sustainable Apiary Model) is the innovation of Elk Root Conservation’s (ERC) Habitat Restoration, Farm & Apiary Director, Kate Mizenka. It is founded on scientific and holistic approaches to beekeeping that focus on innovative apiary design and advancing certified organic regenerative beekeeping practices to optimize bee health, productivity, and resilience. ERC is one of the few apiaries in BC that is Certified Organic. Over the past five years ERC has been field testing SAM and is ready to share its success in optimizing honey bee wellness while simultaneously restoring habitat for native pollinators, which has included an astounding 95% over-winter survival rate of its colonies over the past 5 years. Join Kate to learn about SAM and the other exciting Organic Regenerative Agriculture Advancements in development at ERC, including planting suitable habitat to attract native pollinators. In addition, you will be introduced to some of the native butterflies and bee species that act as pollination brigades at ERC to optimize tree fruit, ground berry and vegetable pollination at ERC’s Educational Demonstration Farm.
Kate Mizenka
LUNCH
Baker Street Buffet Featuring: The Block Eatery Beauties Pizza Kootenay Tamil Kitchen
PITCH PERFECT WITH MANDI LUNAN AND FRIENDS: ELEVATE YOUR ELEVATOR PITCH
Looking to warm up before the buyer's portion of Basin Food? Come and enjoy a micro session of practical pitch tips, then give us the 'ol razzle dazzle and share your business pitch with a group of your peers and special expert guests. Producers, here is how you can prepare: Bring your best quick pitch (~1-2 minutes) and your product to show.
Mandi Lunan
Phil Chang
Kenny Vannucci
STORIES OF INDIGENOUS FOOD SOVEREIGNTY
Bundle up and gather around the fire for a storytelling circle led by Indigenous food sovereignty leaders sharing active projects, lived experiences, and teachings rooted in land and community. Through story and reflection, we’ll explore how relationships with food and place can guide stronger, more connected regional food systems.
Qwustenuxun Williams
Sue-Anne Banks
Dixon Terbasket
HIVE WISDOM: A Comparative Exploration of Leadership and Honey Bee Colonies
Leadership is a concept that has been studied across numerous disciplines, each offering valuable insights. Interestingly, the natural world provides a unique perspective on leadership, particularly through the lens of a honey bee colony. Honey bees operate within a sophisticated social structure that offers fascinating parallels to human leadership roles and responsibilities. This presentation, "Hive Wisdom," will explore these comparisons and offer the lessons we can learn from these industrious creatures.
Amanda Goodman Lee
BUILDING BRIDGES: Indigenous Foodways in Our Institutions
Local procurement nourishes both body and community, ensuring access to fresh, seasonal, and culturally relevant food while supporting the farmers, harvesters, and producers who sustain us. This facilitated conversation explores how connecting Indigenous food producers with schools, hospitals, and other institutions can turn places of service into spaces of relationship building, cultural exchange, and stewardship of the land. Join us to discuss barriers, strategies, and partnerships that strengthen Indigenous foodways in institutional settings and nurture more resilient regional food systems.
Sue-Anne Banks
Qwustenuxun Williams
Dixon Terbasket
FARM TO TABLE DINNER
In celebration of our vibrant local food community, join us, Chef Thomas Render and the Culinary Arts students of Selkirk College for a one-of-a-kind seasonal feast. Showcasing producers from across the Basin, this unforgettable meal promises a memorable menu, a stunning location, and the warmth of a gathering that brings our community together.
COMMUNITY SOAPBOX
These concise presentations serve as a springboard for broader discussions and networking. Designed to activate insights into the diversity of stakeholders in the room, these snack like presentations are sure to generate conversation and enhance our networking.
RETAIL FUNDAMENTALS THAT WIN OVER BUYERS
Breaking into retail can feel like an uphill battle for emerging BC brands—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re pitching to an indie boutique or a national chain, buyers are looking for the same fundamentals that show you’re ready for their shelves. In this practical session, Phil Chang and Kenny Vannucci of This Commerce Life cut through the noise to focus on what really matters: sell sheets that shine, margins that make sense, and pitches that land. You’ll walk away with clear, actionable strategies to: - Tell your brand story in a way that resonates with Canadian retailers - Structure wholesale pricing and terms that work - Create professional sales materials that get buyers' attention - Understand what retailers actually look for in new products - Build relationships that turn first meetings into long-term partnerships Designed for food businesses of all sizes, this session offers a clear roadmap to retail success—whether you’re preparing for your very first buyer meeting or looking to expand your presence with more stores in the region and beyond.
Phil Chang
Kenny Vannucci
THE FUTURE OF BC MEAT: Revitalizing Regional Processing and Production Capacity
Across Canada—and here in British Columbia—the number of livestock and beef operators continues to decline, highlighting growing challenges across the entire meat value chain. This panel explores the current realities and future possibilities for the meat sector in BC’s Southern Interior. Through an open and practical discussion, panelists will examine the state of regional processing, workforce development, and emerging opportunities such as grass-finishing and localized supply chains. With a focus on actionable insights, the conversation aims to identify next steps, investments, and collaborations needed to strengthen regional processing capacity and ensure that locally produced meat remains a cornerstone of resilient rural economies.
Matt Henderson
Sacha Bentall
Discover the Heart of Canadian Retail: An Intimate Conversation with Independent Buyers
Join us for an exclusive panel discussion that brings together the passionate voices shaping Canada's independent retail landscape. This dynamic session features independent retail buyers who are on the front lines of discovering emerging brands, curating unique product selections, and building authentic connections with their communities. In an era dominated by big-box retailers and e-commerce giants, these independent buyers are the tastemakers and risk-takers who give emerging brands their first chance and keep main streets vibrant and diverse. They're the gatekeepers who can transform a small business into a retail success story. What You'll Learn: Our panelists will share their insider perspectives on what catches their eye, how they make buying decisions, and what emerging brands need to know to get shelf space in independent stores. You'll gain invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing independent retail in Canada today, from navigating supply chain complexities to adapting to changing consumer preferences. Whether you're a brand founder looking to break into retail, a fellow retailer seeking inspiration, or simply curious about the business of independent retail in Canada, this conversation offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from the buyers who are keeping Canadian retail local, innovative, and deeply connected to their communities. Perfect for: Product makers, emerging brands, retail enthusiasts, business students, and anyone interested in supporting Canada's independent retail ecosystem.
Phil Chang
Kenny Vannucci
Beyond the Business Plan – Building Food Hubs for Resilient Local Food Systems.
Building on key lessons from Beyond the Business Plan: A Guide to Building Food Hubs for Resilient Local Food System, this panel dives into the real-world experiences of Food Hubs operating across British Columbia. Panelists will share candid insights into what it takes to start, grow, and sustain a Food Hub—from managing operations and maintaining financial stability to navigating partnerships and community relationships. Together, they’ll explore how Food Hubs can position themselves within BC’s rapidly evolving food system and why these organizations play such a vital role in supporting regional food security, economic resilience, and collaboration across the value chain.
Matt Henderson
LUNCH
Local lunch with an elevated school food twist. Provided by: Kootenay Bakery Coop
EXIBITOR SETUP
From Kitchen to Classroom: What I’ve Learned Supplying Food to Schools
TBA
Ariah Desilets
BUYERS ON TAP
Join us for Buyers on Tap, an exciting speed-dating-style session designed to foster quick, dynamic connections between food producers and buyers. In this interactive format, producers will have up to 5 minutes with each buyer to pitch their products, ask pressing questions, and explore potential partnerships. Whether you’re looking for market insights, feedback on your products, or to establish key relationships, this is your chance to gain valuable face time with influential buyers in a casual and engaging setting. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to open doors and build lasting connections!
CREATIVE PARTNERSHIPS THAT INCREASE LOCAL FOOD IN SCHOOLS
What happens when school food buyers or PAC's think outside the lunch box? From teaming up with small farms, community organizations, and food hubs to partnering with Indigenous producers and local businesses, creative collaborations are reshaping how school food programs source, serve, and celebrate local food. This session will highlight success stories and offer practical tools for building partnerships that make healthy, local food a regular part of school communities.
Sammy Blair
BASIN FOOD & BUYERS EXPO (FABx25)
The Expo is an invaluable opportunity for food producers to gain experience and hone their skills in a focused, supportive environment. This session offers a smaller-scale expo setting where producers can connect with buyers, practice delivering their pitch, and receive constructive feedback. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or new to the world of expos, this is your chance to refine your approach, showcase your products, and build meaningful relationships that could lead to future collaborations. Use this time to engage buyers, ask questions, and grow your network in a relaxed, productive atmosphere.
SPEED-DATE-A-FARMER
Join us for a fast-paced, fun, and fruitful networking session! This speed-dating–style event is designed to spark quick, dynamic connections between farmers and buyers. In this interactive format, chefs, school food buyers, and grocery representatives will have up to five minutes to chat with each farmer from our panel of over a dozen producers. It’s a chance to ask questions about procurement and offerings, explore potential partnerships, and open doors to lasting connections you won’t want to miss.
BASIN FOOD FESTIVAL AND PUBLIC MARKET
Get ready for a day full of flavour and fun at the Basin's ultimate food celebration! Join us as vendors from across the Columbia Basin and beyond bring their finest food and beverages for you to enjoy. It's the perfect opportunity to fill your pantry with local delights and find unique holiday gifts!
DESSERT SHOWCASE: followed by film screening - Local is Sweet
This free admission, pay-per-bite dessert tasting expo brings together the region’s most delectable treat-makers for an afternoon of bite-sized indulgence, community connection, films and talks. Come sample, mingle and learn—then stick around for a feature film screening next door!