Project Overview
The Teslin Local Food Action Plan builds on Teslin Tlingit Council’s (TTC’s) recent work to advance local food security and food sovereignty priorities on TTC Traditional Territory.
In 2025 Canada’s economic landscape changed which placed new emphasis on food security, food sovereignty and the importance of establishing resilience, especially in rural northern communities.
PHASE 1: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The first phase of the Local Food Action Plan will focus on community engagement with the aim to foster knowledge sharing, identify current and emerging opportunities, information gaps and strategic goals, objectives, partners and priorities.
PHASE 2: WHAT WE HEARD REPORT
The second phase of the project will focus on the development of a What We Heard Report, and updating of the existing working documents, including the Teslin Food Security Strategy that was developed by TTC.
PHASE 3: TESLIN LOCAL FOOD ACTION PLAN
The third and final phase of the project will involve the completion of a three-year action plan that is based on the What We Heard Report and Strategy documents.
The target date for completion of the updated Strategy and Action Plan is March 31, 2026. This will set the stage for action plan implementation in the new fiscal year.
What Ideas Should We Explore?
Teslin’s community greenhouse is located in the heart of the community. It currently is need of repair, and it has been suggested that new ideas and programs are needed to help increase use of the facility. What approach is needed to modernize and maximize the use of Teslin’s community greenhouse?
KHÀTÌNAS.ÀXH COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Teslin Local Food Action Plan Working Group
The Teslin Local Food Action Plan Working Group (the “Working Group”) has been established to guide the collaborative development of a community-based action plan that reflects current opportunities and priorities surrounding food security, food sovereignty and traditional foods on Teslin Tlingit Traditional Territory.
The Working Group brings together Deisleen Development Corporation (DDC), Teslin Tlingit Council (TTC), Khàtìnas.àxh Community School, the Village of Teslin (VOT), and Yukon University, as local organizations with community well-being in their mandate.
The Working Group aims to:
- Update and build upon the Teslin Food Security Strategy developed by Teslin Tlingit Council in 2020.
- Lead and oversee a community engagement process that invites residents, organizations, Elders, youth, and local stakeholders to share input and priorities.
- Guide the creation of an environmental scan identifying relevant local, regional and territorial assets, challenges, and opportunities related to food systems, harvesting, and cultural practices.
- Identify and prioritize funding opportunities and prepare applications to federal and territorial programs that advance Teslin’s local food priorities.
- Ensure the integration of traditional knowledge and/or academic expertise in the plan’s development, where possible.
How To Get Involved?
There are numerous ways for community members to get involved:
- Take the Survey – Share your ideas and opinions on food security, food sovereignty and country foods, and help us identify the issues and investments that matter most to you and your family.
- Spring Market – Saturday, April 18, 2026 (Teslin Rec Ctr)
- Summer Market #1 – Kickoff Event – Saturday, June 6, 2026 (Memorial Park)
- Summer Market #2 – July 4-5, 2026 (Memorial Park)
- Summer Market #3 – August 1-2, 2026 (Memorial Park)
How to Become a Vendor
If you are an artist, maker, grower, or home cook — or if you simply have something to share with your community — we’d love to hear from you!
Vendors might include:
- Artists and crafters
- Home bakers and food vendors
- Gardeners and farmers
- Clothing or jewelry designers
- Youth entrepreneurs
- Community organizations
Whether you’ve sold at a market before or are brand new to this kind of opportunity, we want to make it easy for you to get involved. Vendor Registration fee is $20.