Bridging Relations Podcast

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

 Discover how a visionary initiative in Muskeg Lake Cree Nation is redefining food security and community resilience. Join Steve Wigg as he shares the inspiring journey of turning farmland into a thriving food forest that blends Indigenous wisdom with contemporary science. This lush ecosystem produces abundant food, serves as a community hub, and offers invaluable lessons in sustainability, traditional knowledge, and climate adaptation. 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

Join us as we chat with Dr. Melissa Arcand, a passionate advocate for sustainable land management and a leading researcher for the Bridge to Land Water Sky Living Lab. Dr. Arcand, a member of Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, shares her journey from a farming family to her role as a soil scientist at the University of Saskatchewan. We explore her work with Bridge to Land Water Sky, where she connects diverse stakeholders and translates complex research into culturally relevant dialogues. Dr. Arcand discusses the unique climate challenges of Treaty 6 and the empowering potential of sustainable farming practices. This episode illustrates the powerful convergence of Indigenous knowledge, Western science, and modern agricultural practices, focusing on sustainability, relationship-building, and innovative solutions. Tune in to discover how Indigenous communities are reclaiming control over their lands and leading the way towards a more inclusive and resilient future through transformative agricultural 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