The First Nations Native Food Innovations Project, is a partnership between EM-power Foundation, Food Futures (EM-power sister company) and Young Change Agents, engaging with First Nations girls at six high schools across Queensland and South Australia. The 2-day program is designed to introduce students to native food and culture through an entrepreneurial lens, encouraging hands ...
EM-power Foundation
First Nations Native Food Innovations Project
GOAL
$35,000
Australia > QLD > Metro and Regional
02/03/2025 > 12/01/2025
Field of Interest
- Education/training and employment
Target Population
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
EM-power Foundation
EM-power Foundation is a First Nations led social enterprise with a vision to empower First Nations people and communities in the native food industry.
With less than 2% active participation of First Nations people in the native food sector, our primary focus is increasing participation in this - one of the fastest growing agrifood sectors globally - and for First Nations people to participate more broadly in building the sustainability of Australia's agriculture and food systems.
EM-power delivers culturally safe educational programs nationwide with secondary schools, community groups, tertiary institutions and for First Nations entrepreneurs to stimulate knowledge of, and careers in native food and agriculture.
By building connections with local community stakeholders and partners and illuminating the journey for First Nations people through co-designed programs, we increase opportunities for First Nations people to secure economic, health and social benefits for themselves and their communities.
Our high school programs focus on native food and culture, native gardens, hospitality, and bring together local knowledge holders, Elders, community leaders and entrepreneurs, to offer students greater understanding of how native foods relate to culture and tradition and how this might lead into a future career.
Project Summary
The First Nations Native Food Innovations Project, is a partnership between EM-power Foundation, Food Futures (EM-power sister company) and Young Change Agents, engaging with First Nations girls at six high schools across Queensland and South Australia. The 2-day program is designed to introduce students to native food and culture through an entrepreneurial lens, encouraging hands on learning, community engagement and cultural connection.
Designed to boost STEM education and entrepreneurship among First Nations youth, the program aims to engage with 160 students by delivering six entrepreneurial programs and two youth incubators, with a focus on professional mentoring and capacity building.
Key activities include two-day workshops at three schools per region, with EM-power Foundation and Food Futures Company leading day one with a focus on native foods, traditional technologies, and an introduction to local Elders and their traditional and cultural knowledge.
Young Change Agents will lead the second day with inquiry-based learning and design thinking to consider the challenges of the native food industry and work toward solving these through social entrepreneurship.
This work will culminate in two two-day youth incubator boot camps held at University of Queensland and University of South Australia, where agricultural scientists, industry innovators, alongside key First Nations leaders and entrepreneurs will help mentor students to further develop STEM skills, encourage innovative mindsets, and build on their business ideas.
Project Outcomes
The program will empower First Nations students by equipping them with STEM and entrepreneurial skills to tackle issues related to native food sustainability and innovation.
Students will engage in a design thinking process that includes empathy, problem definition, ideation, validation, prototyping, and pitching, with a strong emphasis on native food knowledge and cultural context.
By immersing students in their native food culture and understanding the significance of Traditional Knowledge, our program aims to overcome barriers and promote the revitalisation of the native agrifood sector. This sector is vital for First Nations cultural and social identity, and our initiative will ensure that this knowledge is preserved and celebrated.
Upon completion, students will have developed their projects, created prototypes, and prepared for future business ventures. They will return to their communities, inspiring others and fostering a broader interest in STEM and entrepreneurship.
This initiative will strengthen ongoing STEM engagement and skill development for First Nations youth, creating lasting impact and opportunities.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $35,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding gap (unconfirmed) | $35,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Contractor costs | $16,500 |
| Domestic Travel | $7,800 |
| Other Expenditure | $8,000 |
| Materials | $2,700 |
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