November 15, 2018
It’s no secret wild berries and edibles grow throughout the North and are ripe for picking. Traditionally, different fruits and vegetation are harvested and preserved for home use. Now, the same wild food is being eyed as a viable business opportunity for community residents.
In partnership with the Tłı̨chǫ Government, ITI held a free Berry Preservation Workshop in Wekweètì October 9-10, promoting preserves as an economic development opportunity in the region.
A dozen residents of all ages gathered at the Tłı̨chǫ Government Office to learn new and old techniques for processing, canning and preserving berries and wild edibles. The workshop also focused on bridging the process of preparing products and getting them into the hands of customers - and included information about applicable health and food safety requirements.
Leanne Taneton, Manager of Trade and Investment – ITI, says the intention of the workshop was to, teach the skills and techniques for individuals to process, can or preserve berries (and wild edibles) at home. “We hope the workshop will inspire community members to consider the commercial opportunities of harvesting and processing wild berries or other edibles,” she said.
Participants walked away armed with a sound knowledge of canning techniques, a variety of processing recipes and knowledge of the commercial opportunity in Wekweètì.
In the interest of providing more economic opportunities for producers, harvesters and processors, the NWT Agriculture Strategy recommends supporting and encouraging value-added opportunities for locally harvested and produced food products.
