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

Join us as we chat with Dr. Melissa Arcand, a passionate advocate for sustainable land management and a leading researcher in integrating Indigenous knowledge with environmental science and agriculture. Dr. Arcand, a member of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, shares her journey to becoming a soil scientist. She talks about her work with the Bridge to Land Water Sky Living Lab, which connects First Nations, academic researchers, and non-academic organizations to tackle greenhouse gases. We dive into community-based soil science, where Dr. Arcand bridges the gap between diverse stakeholders, translating complex research into culturally relevant dialogues. She offers insights into Treaty 6 unique climate challenges and the potential for regenerative agriculture, inspiring us with her optimism and dedication to knowledge-sharing. Tune in to explore the empowering potential of sustainable farming practices and the transformative power of inclusive research.

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

In this inaugural episode of the Bridging Relations podcast, Anthony Blair Dreaver Johnston, a descendant of Chief Mistawasis, shares the visionary journey behind Bridge to Land Water Sky—Canada’s first Indigenous-led living lab. Discover how the fusion of Western science and Indigenous wisdom is revitalizing sustainable agriculture, from building partnerships rooted in historical treaties and ceremonies to engaging youth in transformative agricultural initiatives. Anthony's insights, including the reintroduction of buffalo as a symbol of restoration, highlight the power of diverse partnerships and cultural values in driving reconciliation and a hopeful future for sustainable land and community relationships.

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