Frozen out: BSE-era relief programs a case study in how Indigenous farmers fall through the cracks

The story begins in the early days of the BSE or “mad cow” crisis. Cattle prices are hemorrhaging, with U.S. border closure the market equivalent of a jugular slash.

Interlake cattle ranchers meet at the Ashern auction mart and board a charter bus bound for the Manitoba Legislature. Aboard is Fairford First Nation farmer Derrick Gould and two ranchers from Peguis First Nation.

At the legislature, as the ranchers urge lawmakers to help them, someone realizes the Indigenous men are farming on reserves. An official tells them they can’t participate in provincially funded aid. They’re the federal government’s responsibility.

He recalls going through official band channels to reach a federal representative. When they did, they were told there was no help for them.