Líl̓wat Community Food Centre officially launches: A place to gather and share

Mount Currie, BC, Oct. 23, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, Líl̓wat Nation and Right To Food are celebrating the official launch of the Líl̓wat Community Food Centre (CFC), a community space bringing people together through food, culture and community.

The spirit of the Líl̓wat CFC is captured in gaw̓ílc, meaning to gather together, and pan̓tss, meaning to share a meal together, words in Ucwalmícwts, the language of the Líl̓wat people. At the Centre, this comes to life through meals made with care, using ingredients harvested from the land or grown on the farm whenever possible. It’s also about sharing knowledge, food traditions, and teachings across generations.

For example, earlier this summer, community members joined Knowledge Keepers to harvest Xúsum (soapberry) and learn how to prepare it, carrying forward traditional knowledge about harvesting, preparing, preserving, and sharing food. Practices like these reflect the living nature of Indigenous food traditions and the enduring relationship between food, culture, and the land.

The launch marks an important milestone in the partnership between Líl̓wat Nation and Right To Food, and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening food security, food sovereignty and community wellbeing.

“At the heart of Líl̓wat CFC is the understanding that food security is deeply connected to land, culture and sovereignty. For Líl̓wat Nation, access to food is not only about having enough to eat. It is also about having the ability to access, share and sustain foods and food systems rooted in community and culture,” said Theodora Sam, the CFC manager.

The CFC is grounded in the priorities and strengths of Líl̓wat Nation, including nt̓ákmen—the ways of our Ancestors—and the goals set out in the Líl̓wat Strategic Plan 2030. Its development has been shaped by the community’s priorities, knowledge and vision for its own food future.

“What makes Líl̓wat CFC so special is that it is rooted in Líl̓wat Nation’s leadership, self-determination, and vision for food sovereignty. Our partnership supports that community-led vision, while creating space for ongoing learning, knowledge-sharing and collaboration,”  said Bronwyn Underhill, Right To Food’s Chief Program Officer.

With the partnership now formalized, Líl̓wat CFC will continue to grow alongside the community. Community members will remain central to shaping programs and activities, sharing knowledge and skills, and creating opportunities to gather around food, strengthen connections across generations, and shape the future of food in Líl̓wat Nation.

About Right To Food

Right To Food is a national organization transforming the way we address food insecurity through an innovative, dignity-first model.

With our 450 partners across the country, we create respectful spaces where people can access healthy food, build skills, find community and advocate for more inclusive public policy. Together, we’re building a movement of responsive and effective community food organizations that understand food is never just food: it’s about dignity, well-being, community and justice. Founded in 2012 as Community Food Centres Canada, Right To Food will continue to lead a cross-country commitment to good food for all.

About Líl̓wat Community Food Centre

Líl̓wat Community Food Centre is a community-led space rooted in the priorities, strengths and vision of Líl̓wat Nation.

Through food programs, community gardens, cooking and preservation workshops, shared meals and community events, the Centre creates opportunities for people to gather, share knowledge and celebrate food and culture.

Líl̓wat CFC supports Líl̓wat Nation’s efforts to strengthen food sovereignty, increase access to food, and share knowledge, culture and food with community.

Hani Ramadhani Right To Food communications@righttofood.ca Sassy Psenak Líl̓wat Nation communications@lilwat.ca