Join a powerful conversation with Harry Lafond, a respected elder from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, as he shares the profound Cree worldview of Wâhkôhtowin—building relationships with all living things—and contrasts it with modern agricultural practices that threaten traditional food sources and ecosystems. Reflecting on cultural losses like vanished berry bushes and ecological damage, Harry offers hope through community-driven initiatives including Muskeg Lake’s food forest and the Bridge to Land Water Sky Living Lab. This dialogue bridges Indigenous knowledge and modern science, fostering collaboration and sustainable farming practices that nurture the land for generations to come.

The Bridge to Land Water Sky living lab is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s nationwide network of living labs, under the Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program. Each living lab brings together farmers, scientists and other partners to develop and improve on-farm solutions that will help store carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address other environmental issues – such as soil health, water quality and biodiversity.

Hosted by: Michelle Brass
Produced by: Maddie Gould

Join us as we chat with Jennifer Bogdan, the project agronomist for Bridge to Land, Water, Sky. Jennifer shares her experiences, highlighting the importance of working with farmers and landowners in co-developing Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) that address their unique challenges. We’ll dive into the real-world successes and challenges of adopting sustainable practices, focusing on collaboration and practical implementation. This episode celebrates the ingenuity of farmers trialling BMPs and explores how these practices can be bundled for maximum impact.

The Bridge to Land Water Sky living lab is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s nationwide network of living labs, under the Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program. Each living lab brings together farmers, scientists and other partners to develop and improve on-farm solutions that will help store carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address other environmental issues – such as soil health, water quality and biodiversity.

Hosted by: Michelle Brass
Produced by: Maddie Gould

Roger Daniels delves into the complex history and challenges of farming on Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, highlighting barriers from colonial legacies and economic constraints. He emphasizes the importance of youth engagement and sustainable practices in reviving agricultural traditions to ensure a thriving future for the community. Mistawasis is making significant strides in sustainable farming and self-governance, with initiatives like seeding native grasses and introducing bison. Through heartfelt stories, we celebrate the community’s achievements and their vision for a sustainable future.

The Bridge to Land Water Sky living lab is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s nationwide network of living labs, under the Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program. Each living lab brings together farmers, scientists and other partners to develop and improve on-farm solutions that will help store carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address other environmental issues – such as soil health, water quality and biodiversity.

Hosted by: Michelle Brass
Produced by: Maddie Gould