First Nations

One Earth Farms operates with the understanding that it is being entrusted with lands and has a responsibility as land stewards. We train local people for agricultural work that will not only benefit the community but also will help feed an increasingly hungry world.

Planting Seeds for Tomorrow, One Farm at a Time

Land Stewardship

One Earth Farms performs land stewardship under highly developed and professional protocols. Informed by agricultural expertise and guided by a depth of knowledge in best practices for business and agriculture, OEF partners with communities who want to develop available cropping and pasture lands in a way that is sustainable and successful.

Teepee

The Teepee Transfer

In recognition of the strong relationships forged between the Blood Tribe members and One Earth Farms, and of the pledge for continuing support by OEF to the Blood Tribe in its vision for agricultural development, the Blood Tribe offered to transfer a teepee to OEF.

The highest honour that can be bestowed upon a non-Blood Tribe person or party, only one other teepee has ever been transferred to a non-Blood Tribe individual, and that was Prince Charles. According to representatives from the Blood Tribe, the teepee transfer would solidify the relationship between the two parties (the Blood Tribe and One Earth Farms).

The Blood Tribe, or Kainai Nation, is part of the Blackfoot Confederacy, who, according to archeological findings, have lived near the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains for approximately 11,000 years. The current boundaries incorporate nearly 550 square miles in southern Alberta and support a population base of more than 10,000.

Following a series of consultations with the leaders of the Blood Tribe, OEF was invited to share its vision for the growth of their agricultural and ranching lands as a means to generate a solid economic base for the current Blood Tribe members as well as for future generations. After the details were ironed out, arrangements were made to have the teepee built, painted and decorated with the OEF logo. The teepee transfer took place in a sacred ceremony at the Blood Tribe on June 12, 2010.

Teepee transfer points of interest:

  • Recognizes OEF as a significant friend of the Blood Tribe, holding similar values of respect for the future of their lands and their people.
  • Recognizes OEF as respecting the Blood Tribe’s long-term vision.
  • The ceremony was conducted by an elder, with other elders and several members of the Blood Tribe Council and staff. Children were also invited to sit in and learn the transfer ceremony.
  • The entire ceremony was held inside the teepee.
  • Larry Ruud accepted the teepee as the CEO of One Earth Farms.
  • Larry was provided with an Indian name and was gifted with special Blackfoot songs to commemorate the sacred occasion.
  • The teepee was painted with the OEF logo and traditional Blood Tribe symbols.
  • The teepee may be set up during Blood Tribe events, and the CEO of OEF has the right to participate in key meetings between the Chief and other senior Tribe members.