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Resilient Rurals’ Rural Assist Program Outline Rural Assist prepares and empowers members of our partner communities who may be especially vulnerable in severe weather due to health conditions, living conditions and other circumstances. The program model is available to any community looking to better serve their vulnerable populations as intensifying climate change impacts put them at disproportionate risk. Download outline Resilient Rurals’ Guide to Community Cooling Centres This guide provides a framework for policy-makers and frontline service providers in rural municipalities to develop effective community cooling centres as a response measure during periods of extreme heat and heat waves. Download guide Contest: Bruderheim Community Vulnerablity Survey Share your insights and personal experience on community connection, health and emergency preparedness for a chance to win ___________. Complete the survey and enter Agricultural Producer's Survey Share your insights and personal experience on climate change impacts and agriculture in Canada. Complete the survey Community Resilience Surveys Thank you to our residents, youth and staff for participating in our resilience surveys! View the survey summary Would you like to initiate surveys for your community? Get in touch Register for Bruderheim's Rural Assist Program Residents can now register themselves and their households to receive information and support tailored to their vulnerabilities during extreme weather. Learn more Contest: Bruderheim Community Vulnerablity Survey Share your insights and personal experience on community connection, health and emergency preparedness for a chance to win ___________. Complete the survey Project Assistant Help us define what climate adaptation and resilience will mean for Alberta’s and Canada’s small and rural communities. Research, strategize and implement a range of programs and plans for community resilience. Learn from a network of leaders working in climate adaptation and municipal resilience. Educate and prepare rural residents for climate impacts. Learn more and apply FUNDING PROVIDED BY: We are a part of the Adaptation Resilience Training (ART) Program, a new program for recent grads (2019, 2020 or 2021) to work full-time helping Albertans prepare for the impacts of climate change. We extend huge thanks to the program sponsors: the program is a cost-shared initiative supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Building Regional Adaptation Capacity and Expertise (BRACE) Program and Alberta Environment and Parks. The program is administered by the University of Alberta's Sustainability Council and Associated Engineering. Learn about ART Extreme Heat Response Community Cooling Centres Guide Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Mains Native Roots Plant Lists Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Emergency Preparedness Rural Ready Program Guide Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More Healthy Resilient Futures Toolkit Make this yours. Click here to edit the text and include any relevant information. Read More

< Back to Rural Showcase The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance - Our region’s watershed planning and advisory council The North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance works with key partners, including the Government of Alberta, the Alberta Water Council, local stewardship groups and municipalities to implement Alberta’s Water for Life strategy. Everyone around the world lives in a watershed; we are all connected through our waterways A watershed is all of the area that captures and funnels water into a large river or another body of water, like a lake or ocean. Many of us enjoy the perks of a healthy watershed…drinkable, fishable, and swimmable water is critical to healthy and happy communities. In Alberta, we have access to fresh, clean water, but with ongoing development, keeping that water fresh and clean requires effort. We sat down with Watershed Planning Coordinator, Michelle Gordy, Senior Watershed Specialist and Program Manager, Mary Ellen Shain, and former Executive Director, Leah Kongsrude, to learn more about the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance, watershed health, and the variety of projects underway to conserve Alberta’s natural waterways. Pursuing Water for Life takes more than a whole village The Water for Life strategy seeks to achieve a variety of goals for the Province, including: Secure, safe drinking water supplies Healthy aquatic ecosystems Reliable water supply for a healthy economy These goals provide the high-level direction to the more specific goals of the NSWA’s Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the basin: to maintain and improve water quality and aquatic ecosystem health, ensure the water flowing into the basin continues meets the needs of its people and ecosystems, and to see watershed management widely incorporated into land-use planning. So what does implementing these goals look like day to day for the NSWA? As Michelle explains, the council collaborates with municipal staff and counsellors, non-profit organizations, the industry in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, and passionate members of the public who are interested in their local environment to advance the strategy’s goals. “We bring the relevant people together at the table and ask ‘how are we going to work together to solve this big issue?’ That’s our role; we’re conveners and collaborators, connecting people and ideas, and we help take science and turn it into policy and action on the ground.” -Michelle Watershed management in Alberta is complex—many different governments are making many different policies for water at the federal, provincial, and municipal scales. And to make matters more interesting, human-designed jurisdictional boundaries don’t follow the naturally occurring boundaries of the watersheds they are trying to manage. The NSWA plays a unique role in this respect by creating a space where each of those different puzzle pieces can connect to create and protect that larger watershed picture, and being a voice for conservation and watershed health throughout the process. As Michelle explains, “government boundaries are like puzzle pieces overlaying our watersheds. Many interlock over the same basin, so we have to work together in order to determine our collective goals for how to manage it.” Rivers, streams, riparian areas and wetlands all have unique and equally important parts to play in creating healthy and vibrant watersheds Rivers and Streams - Nature’s transportation systems If a watershed is a giant funnel directing all of our freshwater to one location, then rivers and streams are the channels moving water most quickly. These waterways are like highways connecting the various ecosystems throughout the watershed, delivering water and whisking it away. On top of connecting ecosystems and transporting water, rivers and streams are popular destinations for all sorts of recreational activities. Healthy rivers provide us with opportunities for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking! An ever-growing amount of research shows that a close proximity to “blue spaces” or bodies of water significantly reduces stress and improves our well-being (Alini, 2018). Riparian Areas - Biodiversity hubs Riparian areas are those green areas next to lakes, creeks and rivers bursting with biodiversity. These marginal areas serve an important role in cleaning water flowing off of nearby landscapes before the water enters our rivers, lakes and groundwater. Their sponge-like properties help to mitigate droughts and floods, and the plant life they support prevent erosion. Tree-covered riparian areas also help shade and cool nearby water, which prevents algal blooms and improves habitats for fish and other aquatic critters. The good news is that across 17,000 km of the areas assessed in the North Saskatchewan Watershed, 46% of riparian areas are in good and healthy condition. The NSWA asks, though, ‘is this where we want to be?’ While there is no ‘magic number’ to ensure there are enough riparian areas to maintain a healthy and thriving watersheds for future generations, the NSWA set a goal of 65% of these riparian areas to be in good condition. Mary Ellen highlights that setting a goal "helps us ask the question ‘ do we have the right incentive programs and policies in place to incentivize momentum towards this goal of 65%? ’” The 65% goal creates a target for restoration projects and funding, and helps make sure no part of the watershed is left to the wayside, as gaps in incentives for commercial and residential restoration present themselves. Measuring Riparian Intactness: Measuring a riparian area's condition can happen from the air or on the ground. Using satellite imagery, scientists can look across wide landscapes to get a sense of the state of three indicators: vegetation coverage, presence of woody vegetation, and signs of human footprint. On the ground, field-based techniques like species monitoring and soil sampling complete the understanding of the areas's health. Wetland Wonders - Built-in drought and flood defence Like riparian and forest soils, wetlands absorb water like a sponge, managing surface run-off and reducing the risk of flooding and erosion. As water sits in a wetland, it slowly filters through the ground, creating cleaner groundwater reserves that can serve as a critical water source during times of drought. Without wetlands to hold and filter our water, we are faced with distinct challenges. According to Michelle, “if we weren’t to conserve these areas, then we would be suffering a lot more damage. Whether you’re an agricultural landowner or just living in an urban area, you’re gonna be at greater risk to the effects of flood and drought.” Alberta’s Wetland Policy and the Heartland’s Designated Industrial Zone Pilot: The Wetland Policy in Alberta is an important tool to ensure what’s lost is restored. As Leah explains, according to the policy, if a wetland is potentially being removed for development purposes, the project proponents must first explore all options to avoid removal at all and to minimize impact. If the wetland must be removed, then it must be compensated for by paying the province a certain amount of money. These dollars are then filtered back to conservation and restoration groups like Ducks Unlimited who replace what’s been lost. In a perfect world, the wetland would be relocated within the region or on the same plot of land, but unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Leah is particularly excited about the prospects of the Designated Industrial Zone (DIZ) being piloted in the Industrial Heartland, as it opens opportunities to ensure in-region relocation. “Because the DIZ is so large and industry partners are collaborating, if we lost a wetland in one part of the zone, it’s much more likely that we will be able to restore and create a new wetland in a different area within the zone. There are about a dozen or more industrial companies in the area, and the NSWA can bring them all together and ask ‘ What do you have planned for development? How about you? And you? ’ then, ‘ How can we work together to save as many wetlands and riparian areas as possible, and how can we manage surface drainage to avoid flooding each other’s land? ” -Leah So many of us are removed from nature, so it can be difficult to see how one ecological loss leads to an even greater climate change challenge So, what happens if these ecosystem services begin to disappear? We would lose some of the most beautiful recreational areas our province has to offer. Outdoor activities of all kinds will be impacted, and those who rely on the land through fishing, hunting, or harvesting will certainly feel the impacts of ecosystem and biodiversity loss. We may be at more drastic risk of floods and droughts. If our nature-made flood defences like wetlands and riparian areas are tampered with, then we’ve reduced nature’s ability to absorb water, minimize surface run-off, and store and percolate groundwater. We may need to shell out more $$$ for quality drinking water. When our water comes from urban water treatment centers, we may not care much about the natural filtration systems throughout the watershed. But we should for a number of reasons. Perhaps most compelling to the masses is the financial reason: filtering dirty water costs more than filtering clean water. If we lose the ability to naturally filter water and reduce sediment through wetlands and riparian areas, then the water arriving to cities for treatment will require more attention. As the cost for techniques required to clean the water increases, so would our utility bills. In short, damage to our watershed impacts our wallets, our security and our overall quality of life, so everyone—whether living in downtown Edmonton or northern rural Alberta—should care about protecting these natural ecosystems. Fortunately, we have organizations like the NSWA, thoughtful industry, and favourable policy all working to conserve and build watershed health in our region and across Alberta. NSWA tools to take collective action Riparian Web Portal The NSWA’s Riparian Web Portal is an online tool with three main purposes: Sharing open-source data with the public Connecting landowners to the broad community of riparian programs and stewardship associations doing restoration and conservation work Sharing on-the-ground projects in the province to inspire landowners towards taking their own action Since its launch, the portal has been used by individual landowners, associations, municipalities, and governments—even up to the federal level—to forge partnerships, showcase work, and inspire action. Vermilion Projects - Restoring 234 hectares of wetland and 21 km of riparian areas over 6 years One example of how the portal is being used to support sustainable agriculture projects is through showcasing 44 significant wetland and riparian restoration projects that happened recently in Alberta’s Vermilion Watershed. Learn more about the Vermilion River Watershed Alliance, and the work they are doing to protect their watershed. The projects accomplished their goals in many different ways—from fence installation to protect areas from cattle and erosion, installation of solar and offstream watering systems, crop buffer planting, and restoration to enhance natural wetland functions. WaterSHED Monitoring Program The WaterSHED Monitoring Program provides the big picture of what’s going on in the entire North Saskatchewan river basin. This unique, and innovative program is the result of the collaborative efforts of the Government of Alberta, EPCOR, the City of Edmonton, and the NSWA to collect real-time water quality and quantity data from tributaries of the North Saskatchewan River. Scaling up traditional monitoring activity, which is usually limited to sites along the river and within larger cities, this program paints a broader picture of how the North Saskatchewan river flows and changes daily. By stationing cameras in remote locations, they can capture data that was previously missed. Healthy watersheds are a stepping stone to climate resilience…so what can we all do? Protecting our water systems, riparian areas and wetlands is one of the most direct ways that many of us can prepare for climate change. Everyone can do their individual part by simple acts everyday like reducing the amount of water that we use, shopping locally, using less herbicides and pesticides. But Michelle breaks down some other meaningful changes both rural and urban residents can contribute to: Rural watershed champions: “So let’s say you’re a rural resident…you’re an agricultural landowner or producer. If you have wetlands on your property or a stream running through, do anything you can to protect and restore those areas. What you do to the land in your area has an impact on those living and working downstream of you. Build up that riparian area, so that it will not only provide you those ecosystem functions and benefits we’ve been talking about, but to those downstream of you and to the rest of the watershed. ” Urban watershed champions: “Being involved with your local municipality is huge. Whether you are volunteering…whether you’re voting for somebody who is protecting the ecosystem…encouraging actions at the municipal level that will drive policies and bylaws to better the watershed is really important.” Reference Erica Alini. (2018). “Being near a body of water makes us calmer and healthier, science shows.” Global News. Retrieved July 21, 2022 from https://globalnews.ca/news/4320204/lake-water-mental-health-blue-space/ . Previous Next Introducing Rural Showcase... A dynamic network of resilience leaders are working in and among rural communities across Canada. Resilient Rurals' Rural Showcase highlights the prominent champions channelling their expertise and passion to empower rural communities, advance climate adaptation and enhance the local environment. Connect with local leaders, hear their stories and learn from their expertise.

Cultivating Food Sovereignty Food Sovereignty is the right to healthful, culturally appropriate, and sustainable foods, as well as the right to define and control our food systems on levels of production, transportation, and distribution. Our project seeks to explore how to cultivate food sovereignty through cross-cultural relationship building. Throughout our project, we have collaborated with SevGen Consulting Inc. to engage food system contributors, host workshops and webinars, and design a module-based training program on food sovereignty basics. Cultivating Food Sovereignty Training Modules Learn more Check Out Our Cultivating Food Sovereignty Webinar Series Did You Miss Our Cultivating Food Sovereignty Workshop in Bruderheim, Alberta? Learn From Our Contributors

< Back to Communities Bruderheim HOME OF THE BRUDERHEIM METEORITE Bruderheim is home to 1,395 residents and lies at the heart of Alberta's Industrial Heartland. Bruderheim is proud to lead the Resilient Rurals partnership. Learn more: www.bruderheim.ca Bruderheim Climate Resilience Action Plan 2018 - 2021 Strategic Plan Bruderheim's Alberta HUB Community Profile Follow Bruderheim on

< Back to Rural Showcase Rural Development Network - Engaging with the agricultural producers of today and tomorrow for a sustainable industry The Rural Development Network advocates for rural voices across the country, focusing on development and service provision to address rural-specific issues like housing, revitalization and transportation. Recently, RDN has entered the agri-food space, applying a rural lens to unearth opportunities in a sector intricately connected to rural identity. Everyone needs to eat, and Alberta’s agricultural community is paving the way for us to eat sustainably. We sat down with the Agri-Foods Initiative program manager, Conner Platten, to discuss the Rural Development Network ’s FarmEd project, and the status of local producers in adopting climate-adaptive farming practices. We asked Conner about what she sees as the benefits to farmers if they build environmental stewardship into how they approach their land: “Ecosystems thrive when they are maintained or restored. Everything works together, and once everything is working together—every cog in the wheel is making a turn—that's when you reap the natural benefits of your land. I like to think of it as an investment, because you will see the returns. They may not be immediate, but it really doesn't take too long for an ecosystem to restore itself.” Along with advocating for farmers and supporting the shift to sustainable and climate-adaptive agriculture, the FarmEd project Conner manages considers farm sustainability from another angle—teaching the next generation. A Tricky Spot: What is the role of the agricultural sector in climate adaptation and sustainability? Agriculture has long been in the hot-seat when discussing environmental sustainability. The industry balances numerous responsibilities, the first and foremost, ensuring people are fed. Another increasingly important consideration is how to feed people sustainably. But with booming population growth and rising climate pressures like drought and flood, producers are faced with the problem of how to produce more food with less inputs, and how to do so under increasingly unstable climate conditions. As climate forecasts predict more intense periods of drought, greater levels of spring precipitation, and longer periods of frost-free days, there’s certainly pressure to adapt to new challenges and seize emerging opportunities, all while minimizing the impact of your own farm’s production on the local environment. Unfortunately, barriers persist when it comes to implementing more sustainable farming practices. Impactful change is happening and will gain momentum as barriers are broken down Farms across the province are brainstorming innovative solutions and prioritizing environmental stewardship in how they grow their crops and raise their animals. As Conner tells us, though, transforming this situation from a scattering of producers into a widespread movement requires barriers be broken down, including: Actual or perceived greater costs to the producer in transitioning to alternatives Siloing of ideas and practices among producers (no pun intended…well, maybe intended.) The second barrier is of particular interest to Conner, as a significant part of her role is to connect people and facilitate collaboration among the early adopters of sustainable practices and alternative tech—to demonstrate credibility, reduce unhealthy competition, and identify shared environmental goals. As she says, “In the end, everybody is working towards a more sustainable future for farming because we have to be able to grow food in a sustainable manner for the rest of time.” “We need to focus on the success stories and then grow from there. Get the word out and show people adaptation is happening, tell others ‘you can do it on your farm, too’.” Sharing the responsibility of making sustainable choices among farmers and consumers Unless we grew up on a farm or in a farming community, a lot of us still don’t know where our food comes from or the mountain of work it takes to get the products from the field to the grocery store. But consumers are more interested in learning about their food than ever when it comes to informing their choices at the supermarket. Conner grew up on the consumer side, and now that she’s deep into agriculture, she is able to approach her role by understanding what consumers don’t. A real myth-buster, she broke down a couple of consumer-side myths for us: MYTH: Only a few farms in Alberta are taking on sustainable farming “Every farmer wants their land in the best shape possible. I would say that every farmer is interested in what's best for the land, but it can be hard to get past cost barriers. I love that we're having this conversation because there's more happening on-the-ground at farms… implementation of sustainable practices are happening every day, but perhaps consumers and the wider public are unaware.” MYTH: Large-scale production farms are run by large corporations “It's important to support large-scale family farms. I think sometimes we forget that a lot of those bigger farms with acres and acres are still family-run. Many people assume any large operation is run by a big, automated corporation sitting on a stack of cash, but a lot of large-scale farms in Canada are still sole proprietors or county farms. The families still work on the ground every single day and they prioritize animal welfare and environmental stewardship.” The FarmEd Project cultivates the next generation of producers and seeds agricultural literacy among young rural Albertans Rural Development Network’s FarmEd is a new education project promoting agricultural literacy among elementary, junior high, and high school-aged students through experiential learning. Funded by the CAP Youth and Agriculture Education Program , FarmEd introduces young Albertans in rural farming communities to the principles and practices of farming, opening possibilities for a wide range of agricultural careers. Most importantly, FarmEd makes learning about where our food comes from simple and fun. Currently, the program is being piloted at two schools in Southern Alberta. Program elements: Setting up small-scale school farms : Conner is working with experts in agriculture, horticulture and school administrators to develop a tool kit/guidebook for schools on how to plan and implement small-scale school farms with engagement from the local agricultural community. Experiential learning and teaching outcomes: With a focus on grades 7 to 12, RDN and advisors are developing various learning outcomes for students. Whether the school program is set up as a class for credit, or the farm is used as a teaching vehicle in a variety of classes, the program is meant to fit the school. Benefits to students and the community: Hands-on and unique learning experiences for students Stronger relationships between local producers, schools, and students Introductions to new agricultural career paths for students Leadership skill-building Agricultural literacy and a stronger connection to the land “I think one of the best benefits we're seeing is the community really coming together. Once these programs are in existence, the community really shows up. If there are local producers in the area with expertise, they want to come into class and share their knowledge because this could be their community’s next generation of farmers…technologists…agrologists…heavy duty mechanics—you name it!” Irvine, AB - FarmEd Pilot School #1 Irvine Agricultural Discovery Centre is run by Irvine School, and is a school-wide initiative. The program is coordinated by a local producer, Nicole Neubauer of Neubauer Farms . Together with Conner, she is helping draft program policies and procedures that will ensure the program’s sustainability and set future schools up for success in adopting FarmEd. The goal of the Centre is to “teach sustainable agriculture practices focusing on how we will feed 9 billion people by 2050 in an environmentally sound, socially responsible and financially viable way now and in the future.” -Irvine School Picture Butte - FarmEd Pilot School #2 In its planning stages, FarmEd at Picture Butte High School will focus on sustainable gardening, greenhouse growing and raising chickens in the first stages of their FarmEd Program. The students are currently building chicken coops in shop class, to house laying hens which will be introduced in the fall of 2022. PBHS has also tilled a school garden plot and has an existing beekeeping program and aquaponics system, which they plan to expand on. The school has partnered with Coyote Flats Pioneer Village where a group of students is performing a series of crop management trials. The long-term plan is to install a greenhouse to focus on plant science and four-season fruit and vegetable production. Altario School - An already established school farm used as a model for FarmEd FarmEd is taking a page out of Altario School’s book. A school with just 65 students, in a town of only 26 residents, the school boasts a vibrant school farm program with a large population of farm animals. On the school’s Student-Led Farm , a team of high school students work with sheep, turkeys, pigs, and steers daily, as well as manage a variety of other agricultural projects. “At Altario School we are united by a vision of living authentic, hands-on, and relevant learning. Our vision is a school community that celebrates, learns about, and advances agriculture.” -Altario School Alternative and hands-on learning can be a powerful tool to set the producers and consumers of tomorrow on a more sustainable path The question certainly remains for many producers in the province of how their farms will adapt to many pressures they face. While more financial incentives are needed at the federal and provincial level to move producers to adopt new technologies and practices, RDN’s initiatives are providing critical support in breaking down knowledge barriers. Providing hands-on agricultural learning in the classroom that focuses on new climate-adaptive practices, and dispelling consumer-side myths about Canadian agriculture are a couple of ways the team is supporting sustainability at the local level. FarmEd also opens numerous avenues for students and communities to work together and learn from one another, strengthening the fabric of Alberta’s agricultural communities for years to come. Previous Next Introducing Rural Showcase... A dynamic network of resilience leaders are working in and among rural communities across Canada. Resilient Rurals' Rural Showcase highlights the prominent champions channelling their expertise and passion to empower rural communities, advance climate adaptation and enhance the local environment. Connect with local leaders, hear their stories and learn from their expertise.

Defining Food Sovereignty This module will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. Next Home Transcription & Notes 0.00 Thank you for joining our Cultivating Food Sovereignty training program. In Module 1, we will define food sovereignty, clarify the difference between food sovereignty and food security, and explore how food sovereignty can help target food insecurity while building a more resilient food system. 0:24 Food sovereignty is the right to healthful, culturally appropriate, and sustainable food (1). Defining and controlling our own food systems, including production, transportation, and distribution of food, is a key aspect of food sovereignty, according to the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives (1). In Indigenous communities, food sovereignty recognizes the inherent and fundamental right Indigenous persons have to food from the land, the importance of participating in cultural harvesting practices, and the critical ability to manage one's own decisions about how much to take from the land and how much is needed (2). In order for this idea to be realized, many of the forestry, fishing, hunting, conservation and other environmental laws need reform (2). Similarly, in Canadian agriculture, food sovereignty targets how producers sell their products and whether Canadian consumers have access to that product before it is exported (1). 1:16 Food sovereignty is supported by 7 pillars (3). Focuses on Food for People means that food is more than a commodity, it is a human right. This pillar places feeding people at the centre of policies and programs. Building Knowledge and Skills is a pillar that promotes sharing of traditional knowledge and ensuring that knowledge is passed on to future generations. Working with Nature aims to improve the resilience of food systems by optimizing and contributing to ecosystems rather than draining the soil and land of resources. Valuing Food Providers is a critical pillar which respects the important work producers do and seeks to keep their livelihoods sustainable. Localizing Food Systems has several goals, such as reducing the distance between producers and consumers, which can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This pillar also rejects inappropriate food aid, such as only desserts being sent to disaster-stricken areas. Additionally, this pillar builds accountability into the food system as we know where our food is coming from. In addition to localizing our food system, food sovereignty Puts Control Locally . This means local food providers have ownership and decision-making power over their product. Local control also helps resist the privatization of natural resources and supports the sharing of territories and land. The seventh pillar was added by members of the Indigenous circle during the People's Food Policy process in Canada. Food is Sacred. It is a gift that should not be wasted or commodified. What we eat affects our spirit, and sourcing food from our own land helps build a connection to that land. 2:58 Food sovereignty and food security are not the same, despite many people using the terms interchangeably. Food sovereignty refers to ownership and agency within the food system. Do you have a say over the food you're eating and where it comes from? As a producer, can you choose where you sell your food? Can you access land to grow, harvest, or hunt culturally appropriate food? Food security is simply how much food you have, or whether you have enough of that food. For example, when a natural disaster hits, it is human nature to send aid. However, food aid is often not culturally appropriate or nutritionally complete. People in disaster situations cannot choose to eat something else and are frequently limited to what is given. Their food sovereignty is lost, even if they are considered food secure. If they had a resilient, localized food system, culturally appropriate and nutritious food would be more readily available and their food sovereignty and food security would be maintained. As the founder of Tea Creek, an Indigenous-owned and operated farm in British Columbia, explains “Food sovereignty is about rights and the decisions surrounding food and decreasing reliance on external sources. Food security is a part of food sovereignty. It is food wealth, a measure of how many days you can go without going to the store. Food security is about how much food you have in your bank account, while food sovereignty is about how you get that food into your bank account.” 4: 28 Why should we focus on food sovereignty? Food sovereignty and food security are connected, and food insecurity is a prevalent concern in Canada. Food insecurity is tied to factors such as low income, reliance on social assistance, renting and having children (4). Most food-insecure households in Canada are working, which means many Canadians are not making enough money to afford basic necessities (4). Additionally, Black and Indigenous households are over twice as likely to be food insecure than White households (4). In fact, People of Colour have significantly higher rates of food insecurity the White households across the board (4). Food insecurity has also worsened across Canada from 2021 to 2022, with Alberta ranking second highest in foods insecurity after Newfoundland (4). Food insecurity is also usually worse in the territories, with 46.1% of households and none of it and 22.2% of households in the Northwest Territories being food insecure (4). In rural and remote communities, food insecurity is often worse due to lack of options. Food in these communities is frequently more expensive and transportation to other food sources is expensive, time-consuming, or unavailable (5). Additionally, less support services are active in remote areas, which further compounds food insecurity (5). Food sovereignty can shift the reliance for food onto one's own skills and knowledge. For example, in Indigenous communities with the ability to access traditional foods, nutrition and diet quality improve (6). Access to traditional foods incorporates pillars of food sovereignty such as Knowledge and Skills, Working with Nature, Localized Food Systems, and Keeping Food Sacred. Indigenous hunters and gatherers have agency over where they can source their food and how it is distributed, which has positive impacts on food insecurity in their families and communities. Similarly, only a few generations ago it was common for every household to have their own vegetable garden (7). The ability to grow food, cook and preserve vegetables was critical for ensuring one's family ate throughout the winter (7). Growing food for one's family, knowledge and skills, valuing those who grew the food and local control were embedded in the food system. Food insecurity still existed, but food sovereignty empowered families to feed themselves, and there is pride in the skills households cultivated. 6:57 Food sovereignty also enables adaptation and innovation as it puts agency back into our food system. A sovereign food system is a resilient food system. Our current globalized food system is not without challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic showcased our global reliance on international trade in our food system (8); any disruption to this flow of trade can lead to empty grocery shelves, food shortages, and rippling food security consequences (8). As global weather patterns become increasingly erratic, climate-related disasters can significantly disrupt our food system at a number of levels (8). A wildfire in California or a drought in Alberta can both impact food availability and cost in regions globally. Similarly, regional disasters can have immediate impacts on whether or not food can be transported to local grocery stores. In 2021, this exact disruption occurred in the town of Lytton, British Columbia and the neighbouring Kanaka Bar Nation. Following a record-breaking heat dome in the region, a wildfire fueled by high winds and dry tender incinerated the town and much of the surrounding region (9). Regional drought and increased air temperatures, both driven by climate change, resulted in this devastating wildfire, which destroyed grocery stores and led to refrigerated food spoilage (9). Only a few months later, severe regional flooding washed out important transportation corridors, which contributed to significant food system disruptions (10). Kanaka Bar Nation has been aware of the changes to the regional climate, and they have developed a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and adaptation plan in response to emerging regional pressures, which include drought, impacts to staple foods such as salmon and berries, forest fires, reduced air quality and heat stress (11). Their adaptation plan seeks to continuously monitor the region's watershed and inspires to install a raw water reservoir to complement their local ecosystem (11). They are also tackling the vulnerabilities in their food system by extending local food production activities, documenting traditional food sources, implementing an agricultural plan, and working to protect salmon in the region (11). The efforts and innovation seen in Kanaka Bar are a testament to the value of sovereignty and our food systems. Their efforts will support food security, skill development, local ecosystems and their local food system with or without regional disaster. Food sovereignty builds food system resilience and nurtures respect for both natural and human-driven resources. It does not avoid challenge and seeks to adapt to difficulties, whereas food security often relies on food from elsewhere. Kanaka Bar is responding to their food needs locally and immediately, which means they are able to adapt and adjust as needed. 9:48 Thank you for taking the time to listen to Module 1: Defining Food Sovereignty. Please review our references and further reading sections to learn more about this topic. Defining Food Sovereignty Transcription and Slides Transcript PDF References Nagpaul, T., Sidhu, D., & Chen, J. (2022). Food Insecurity Mediates the Relationship between Poverty and Mental Health. Journal of Poverty, 26(3), 233–249. https://doi-org.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/10.1080/10875549.2021.1910102 Joseph, P. L., Applewhite, J., & Fleary, S. A. (2022). Housing and Food Insecurity, Health Literacy, and Maladaptive Coping Behaviors. Health Literacy Research and Practice, 6(4), e280-e289–e289. https://doi-org.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/10.3928/24748307-20221019-01 Papan, A. S., & Clow, B. N. (2013). The food insecurity-obesity paradox as a vicious cycle for women : a qualitative study. Atlantic Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. https://cdn.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/diff/ace-women-health/live/ACEWH_food_insecurity_paradox_vicious_cycle_exec_summ_eng_ths.pdf Eskandari, F., Lake, A. A., Rose, K., Butler, M., & O’Malley, C. (2022). A mixed‐method systematic review and meta‐analysis of the influences of food environments and food insecurity on obesity in high‐income countries. Food Science & Nutrition, 10(11), 3689–3723. https://doi-org.login.ezproxy.library.ualberta.ca/10.1002/fsn3.296 Hopper, T. (August 28, 2018). Here is what Sir John A. MacDonald did to Indigenous people. National Post. https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/here-is-what-sir-john-a-macdonald-did-to-indigenous-people Owen, J. (2023). Food as a weapon in the Residential School system. Food Secure Canada. https://www2.foodsecurecanada.org/residential-schools-and-using-food-weapon Shafiee., M et al. (2022). Food Security Status of Indigenous Peoples in Canada According to the 4 Pillars of Food Security: A Scoping Review. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 13(6), 2537–2558. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac081 Proof: Food Insecurity Policy Research. (2023). Who are most at risk of household food insecurity? https://proof.utoronto.ca/food-insecurity/who-are-most-at-risk-of-household-food-insecurity/ Willows, N., Veugelers, P., Raine, K., & Kuhle, S. (2015). Associations between household food insecurity and health outcomes in the Aboriginal population (excluding reserves). Statistics Canada. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2011002/article/11435-eng.htm#:~:text=Compared%20with%20their%20counterparts%20in,21%25)%2C%20and%20cigarette%20smoking Batal, M., Chan, H. M., Fediuk, K., Ing, A., Berti, P. R., Mercille, G., Sadik, T., & Johnson-Down, L. (2021). First Nations households living on-reserve experience food insecurity: prevalence and predictors among ninety-two First Nations communities across Canada. Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique, 112(Suppl 1), 52–63. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-021-00491-x Healthier Together. (2023). Homepage - Know Your Community. Alberta Health Services. https://www.healthiertogether.ca/prevention-data/alberta-community-health-dashboard/community-cancer-prevention-screening-dashboard/ Chaisson, K., Gougeon, L., Patterson, S., & Allen Scott, L. K. (2022). Multisectoral partnerships to tackle complex health issues at the community level: lessons from a Healthy Communities Approach in rural Alberta, Canada. Canadian journal of public health = Revue canadienne de sante publique, 113(5), 755–763. https://doi.org/10.17269/s41997-022-00653-5 Engler-Stringer, R. (2006). Collective kitchens in three Canadian cities : impacts on the lives of participants. Community-University Institute for Social Research. https://cuisr.usask.ca/documents/publications/2005-2009/Collective%20Kitchens%20in%20Three%20Canadian%20Cities%20-%20Impacts%20on%20the%20Lives%20of%20Participants.pdf Resilient Rurals. (2024). Champions for Change: Empowering Rural Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow. https://www.resilientrurals.com/rural-showcase/champions-for-change%3A-empowering-rural-communities-for-a-brighter-tomorrow Further Reading https://www.indigenousfoodsystems.org/food-sovereignty https://www.bia.gov/service/indigenous-tourism/why-food-sovereignty-matters https://www.nfu.ca/campaigns/food-sovereignty/ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2021.704750/full https://policyalternatives.ca/publications/monitor/food-sovereignty-canada https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2021.704750/full Back Next

< Back to Rural Showcase Rural Routes To Climate Solutions: Why More Farmers Are Taking The Road Less Travelled Agriculture is the second biggest industry in Alberta. However, discussing strategies to combat climate change often falls by the wayside. Rural Routes to Climate Solutions seeks to change that by promoting farming and ranching practices to combat climate change and protect the environment. Farming and ranching are cornerstones to Alberta’s diverse culture. Economically speaking, Alberta is one of the largest agricultural producers in Canada. Recreationally, farming and ranching have expanded into various rodeos and Aggie Days to connect with urban communities. In spite of this, agriculture is an untapped reservoir when it comes to climate mitigation and adaptation. We met with Derek Leahy to discuss the disconnect between agricultural producers and climate solutions, and how Rural Routes to Climate Solutions seeks to address this disconnect. As director of Rural Routes, a subset of the Stettler Learning Centre , Derek is passionate about sharing success stories of producers who are implementing regenerative agriculture practices, not only to protect the land that produces their livelihood but to leave it better off than when they first worked it. “We exist to provide opportunities for Alberta’s farmers, ranchers, and the communities they live in to learn about climate solutions. Specifically, to learn how to implement climate solutions and how those solutions can benefit their day-to-day lives or business operations.” - Derek Leahy, Director of Rural Routes to Climate Solutions Are There Really “Solutions” To Climate Change? Climate change often feels insurmountable. Is there really a solution to increasing temperatures and changing weather patterns? According to Rural Routes, climate solutions exist in two ways: Mitigation: First, we can mitigate the current drivers of climate change. Strategies, such as reducing our carbon output or reliance on chemical fertilizers, can help lessen the impact of climate change down the road. Adaptation: Second, we can adapt to the new conditions created by climate change. Warming trends and frequent droughts can be especially worrisome to farmers. However, by preparing for the changes now, agriculture producers take steps to meet climate change head-on. Climate change conversations in Alberta often center around our major oil and gas industry, asking what solutions can reduce the impact of heavy polluters, while still growing opportunities in the energy sector. Although not quite as hot a topic, Rural Routes thinks the agricultural industry can also be looking to new opportunities and solutions to contribute to the change conversation. Derek explains, “producers want to undertake climate solutions that make sense for rural Albertans.” Regenerative agriculture is a perspective that embraces many of these agricultural climate solutions, creating new opportunities, while acknowledging the impact of current farming practices on the ecology, land, and climate. How Regenerative Agriculture Addresses Climate Change Regenerative agriculture is both a philosophy and a model of practice, with the goal of leaving the land in a better state than when it was first worked. For example, if cropland has been in a family for generations, a practitioner of regenerative agriculture would aim to produce sufficient crops, while improving soil health and reducing erosion. Derek outlined three kinds of regenerative agriculture solutions that directly address the impacts of climate change. Cover Crops One of the projected effects of climate change is increasingly dry summers. Drought can often lead to the erosion of croplands because the crops themselves don’t grow well enough to hold the soil in place. Cover crops address this issue by leaving debris from last year’s crop, as well as any other growing plants, in place while the soil rests. This reduces erosion and protects the land from the damaging impacts of drought and winds. Inter-cropping When farmers plant one type of crop on one field for many years, the soil nutrients that sustain the specific crop can deplete over time, and cannot replenish quickly on their own. Conventional agriculture would address this problem using fertilizers, which often run off the fields into waterways and eventually impact local ecosystems. Inter-cropping or companion planting is a different technique that does not rely on fertilizers. Instead, by planting a variety of crops together, each plant attracts different microbes, which improves the overall health and balance of the soil, and prevents the depletion of one specific nutrient. This strategy borrows from the Indigenous farming practice utilized for the Three Sisters where corn, beans, and squash are planted together so they can grow interdependently. This strategy also promotes biodiversity, which strengthens the ecology of the cropland itself. Rotational Grazing Regenerative agriculture is not just for farmers. Ranchers and other producers in the business of animal husbandry can take part, too. Also known as adaptive multi-paddock grazing, rotational grazing is a practice where herds are moved from one pasture to another each day. Rather than allowing the herd days or weeks to eat the available vegetation of one paddock, leaving the pasture damaged and even barren in some cases, rotational grazing protects grasslands and natural biodiversity alike by giving vegetation time to rest and regrow. Overcoming the Barriers to Regenerative Agriculture and Climate Solutions Unfortunately, implementing climate solutions like those outlined above, isn’t always as easy as one-two-three. The industry recognizes it, Derek recognizes it, and so do numerous organizations. Thankfully, those who are truly invested in making the solutions more easy, affordable, and achievable are working on making it so. Financially speaking, regenerative agriculture has significant up-front costs, such as hiring a soil expert to determine how much fertilizer your cropland actually requires. Likewise, rotational grazing requires substantial people-power for moving cattle, and land for grazing. “We’re asking producers to do a lot right now,” Derek says, “and we really aren’t paying agriculture producers for implementing a lot of these practices that would help with climate adaptation and mitigation.” While some regenerative agriculture practices can have long-term dollar-saving benefits like saving on fertilizer costs, getting there can be difficult. Money and resources are not the only barriers experienced by producers. Social barriers can play a significant role in producers’ hesitancy to implement climate solutions. Whether confronting generational farming traditions or the practices embedded within a farming community, it can be tough to be the one stirring up change. “A lot of the knowledge in agriculture is passed on from generation to generation, it goes between parents and their children. Sometimes it’s not easy to hear that the way your parents were doing things is not so great for the environment, and we need to do something else. It’s just not easy to be the first person to embrace change..” - Derek Leahy Another circumstance that agriculture producers often experience is isolation due to long work hours and rural homes, so it isn’t easy to know about, or connect with, other producers who are implementing climate solutions in their own businesses. “Having some kind of supportive social infrastructure would also go a long way for knowledge sharing,” Derek says when considering how to reduce barriers to both those who are interested, and those who aren’t even in the know. He explains, “we need to build a community to help those producers take steps to adopt more practices that are good for climate mitigation and adaptation.” Sharing first-hand stories and learning from one another is one of the best ways to make sustainable and climate-smart agriculture attainable. Resources from Rural Routes to Climate Solutions Rural Routes to Climate Solutions recognizes that support extends beyond financial incentives and seeks to educate and connect Alberta producers practicing regenerative agriculture with those who are interested in learning more. They achieve this by hosting educational events like farm field days and workshops, sharing success stories on their podcast and Farmers Blog , and facilitating programs like the Regenerative Agriculture Lab and Siksikaitsitapi Project. Additional Partners Promoting Climate Solutions ALUS Canada Alternative Land Use Services Canada helps producers find solutions rooted in the nature of their land. As a group of landowners, ALUS supports farmers and ranchers in implementing conservation projects and climate solutions on their property. These efforts can involve maintaining wetlands, creating pollinator habitats, or managing drainage systems, and ALUS projects incorporate producers into a community of like-minded individuals. Ducks Unlimited Ducks Unlimited averts the complete loss of wetlands from agricultural and industrial lands in the province through its wetland restoration program. To learn more about the value of wetlands on our land, read our article with the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance. Beyond Climate Solutions: The Co-Benefits of Regenerative Agriculture “Another thing I love talking about is how climate solutions come with co-benefits. When we are addressing climate change, we're diversifying the economy, we're protecting the ecology, and we're creating new opportunities. Even if we take climate change out of the equation, climate adaptation and mitigation offer so many benefits to rural Alberta.” - Derek Leahy What exactly are co-benefits? Co-benefits are the positive effects that accompany various climate adaptation and mitigation projects. Although they are not the main goal, they are the positive offshoots from working towards it. Many regenerative agriculture practices are ripe with co-benefits that increase their value beyond environmental stewardship. Soil Sequestration: Carbon Capture and Healthy Fields For example, soil sequestration (storing carbon that could be in the atmosphere in the soil) plays an important role in managing carbon outputs and achieving net-zero commitments. However, it also keeps the soil healthy and productive, supporting healthier crops and reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Another example is how planting biodiverse crops and native plants can help maintain soil health, but they also benefit the health of pollinators like bees, butterflies, and even mosquitoes. Did You Know? Alberta produces the most honey out of all the provinces and territories of Canada. This is because Alberta’s canola crops require 80,000 bee colonies to properly produce canola seed, an essential crop for Alberta’s economy as well as Canada’s. Biodiversity: How The Kinds of Plants on Your Land Impact The Water Table Biodiverse landscapes with trees and shrubs, while significant for cooling the planet and absorbing carbon, also play an important role in wildlife habitat creation, and play an integral role in the winter. Not only do trees and shrubs create windbreaks, which reduce the energy required to heat a home, but they collect snow. In the spring, when this snow melts, it infiltrates through the ground and raises the water table. Without trees and shrubs, that snow can blow up to 300 meters away. “It’s like a bank account that accumulates over winter, and then drains away into our dugouts or our soil,” Derek explains, emphasizing the importance of keeping that snow static with trees, shrubs, and other snow barriers. Likewise, diverse plant life plays a critical role in slowing run-off from rain or irrigation. Why is this important? Slower run-off has a decreased risk of eroding the soil, and it is much more likely to infiltrate back into the soil. Like snow melting and sinking into the ground, slow-moving water helps replenish the water table, which creates a bank account for farms during dry, hot summers. Economic Factors: Climate Solutions Can Have a Positive Impact on Your Wallet Diversity, a quickly apparent theme when discussing co-benefits, also applies to economic opportunities. Many climate solutions focus on not only diversifying the ecology of the land but our own economic opportunities. Hosting bee hives on your property improves crop health, but can also act as an additional form of income from the honey and beeswax created. Inter-cropping ensures that you are not relying on one crop for an income at the end of the summer, and various hardy crops may excel in different conditions. For the first time in known history, farms and ranches can produce food and energy, using various renewable energy strategies such as wind or solar. Moreover, diverse farms have greater potential when it comes to industries such as agro-tourism, where they can teach tourists about the goals and processes of farming, while also hosting an interesting and unique farm experience. There are many co-benefits associated with climate solutions. Communicating these co-benefits, however, can still be a challenge, one that Rural Routes to Climate Solutions has undertaken. Old MacDonald Had A Vision For A New Kind Of Farm Knowing that climate change is a growing concern is one thing. Recognizing that there are strategies we can use to mitigate and adapt to climate change is another. Implementing those strategies is a completely different story; that is the story that Rural Routes to Climate Solutions wants to tell. When asked what agriculture communities and producers can learn from one another, Derek had an answer ready: “a big lesson producers can learn from one another is where to get started.” The reality is climate change can seem insurmountable, but something as simple as creating an environmental plan for your business, Derek says, is never a bad idea. Connecting with others to learn new lessons and strategies is also a critical part of success. “Having peer-to-peer support makes you see that you’re not the only one trying to figure this out on your own,” Derek adds. Rural Routes hosts a variety of programs and events to complement its podcast and blog . Each has one simple goal—to improve connectivity while creating a sense of community among producers. Because, at the end of the day, we are all much stronger together. Previous Next Introducing Rural Showcase... A dynamic network of resilience leaders are working in and among rural communities across Canada. Resilient Rurals' Rural Showcase highlights the prominent champions channelling their expertise and passion to empower rural communities, advance climate adaptation and enhance the local environment. Connect with local leaders, hear their stories and learn from their expertise.

Severe Storm Warning Severe Storm Warnings are released when large hail (2 cm or larger), strong winds (90 km/h or stronger), or heavy rain (50 mm rain/hour or more) have been detected or are highly possible. Key Vulnerable Persons: Anyone who has reduced mobility due to a disability or other factors Anyone who manages a health condition with equipment that requires electricity and/or running water Anyone who receives caregiver assistance Who Else May Be Vulnerable? Other vulnerable groups can include people who live in a low-income household, people who live in sub-standard housing conditions, people who live with mental health issues, and people whose job requires working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions. If you know someone who may belong to one of these groups, we encourage you to reach out to them, and share this information. How Does A Severe Storm Warning Impact Me? Severe Storm Warnings indicate that weather conditions may become extreme, leading to potential property damage, flooding, and limited mobility/transportation ability. Severe storms can also damage community infrastructure, possibly causing power, telephone, or internet outages. Additionally, large hail or heavy rain can cause damage to crops or gardens. To prepare for a Severe Storm Warning, we recommend: Take the time to prepare an Emergency Kit (water, food, flashlights w/ batteries, extra medications, emergency numbers). Keep your fuel tank full, in case gas stations are closed or damaged during/following a storm. Secure loose outdoor belongings to prevent damage. If you have a garden, plan to cover your crops to reduce hail damage. If you are indoors, keep your curtains/blinds/window coverings closed. If you are in a vehicle, keep away from trees or power lines that may fall on you. Stress and anxiety about storms can be detrimental to children, youth, and people with mental illnesses. Do your best to alleviate these concerns by being prepared beforehand, For more Resilient Rurals Resources visit the Resource Hub Additional Resources Public Weather Alerts For Alberta Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain, and hail (Government of Alberta) Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

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Events Interested in collaborating on an event? We'd love to hear what you have in mind. Contact Us Watch Recordings of Past Webinar Events For the Cultivating Food Sovereignty Webinars, visit this page . Intercropping Webinar Presenter: Presenter: Dr. Eric Bremer, Western Ag Innovations Resilient Rurals and Rural Routes to Climate Solutions discuss the ins and outs of intercropping in Alberta! Dr. Bremer covers oilseed-pulse intercrops and the impact of seeding rate and Nitrogen fertility. He also discussed his research on how various plants benefit each other. Want to learn more? We recommend reading Rural Routes to Climate Solutions farmer’s blog post: Intercropping: Experimenting for Diversity. Watch the Replay Now! Perennial Grains Webinar Presenter: PhD Candidate Erin Daly of the University of Alberta Hosted as Part Two of the series with our friends from Rural Routes to Climate Solutions. Erin Daly discussed what is coming out from current research on perennial grains and answered questions about perennial grain growing in Alberta agriculture. Want to learn more? Listen to Rural Routes to Climate Solutions podcast on perennial grains. Watch the Replay Now!