Search Results

Community Wellness Mental Health Learn about the impacts of climate change on mental health. Climate Change, Mental Health and Ecological Grief Download Vulnerability in Rural Communities Learn about climate change vulnerability among rural communities, and who is at greater risk as weather patterns change and become more severe. Who is Climate-Vulnerable in Your Community? Download Climate Change Vulnerability in Rural Communities Download Climate Change Adaptive Strengths in Rural Communities Download

Plan & Progress The path to rural resilience Resilient Rurals consists of many components and deliverables, which we've outlined below. You can follow along with our progress—if you want more details or are interested in joining us, Get In Touch! About the Resilient Rurals Regional Resilience Plan The Regional Resilience Plan is our final deliverable. From there we will decide as a group how to move forward and pool resources to address our shared risks. The plan will outline the climate forecast for our region, identify potential risks and opportunities and propose actions for the next steps. Communication may be our communities' most powerful tool to build awareness, promote preparedness and create resilient futures. Communication will be a primary method of delivering the priorities and objectives of the Regional Resilience Plan. Priority Areas of the Regional Resilience Plan Social Priorities Public preparedness Mental health Support for vulnerable populations Home insurance implications Local crime reduction Environmental Priorities Flooding Icy and extreme cold conditions Water supply shortage Extreme windstorms Wildfires Difficulties seeding / harvesting crops Air quality Extreme heat Business Continuity Priorities Municipal infrastructure inventory Critical passwords safely accessible Critical files scanned to digital formats Critical maps digitized Files and records back-up Critical procedures mapped out Progress Breakdown (Updated November, 2021) Innovation Still to come; our planning has brought up a number of innovative processes and ideas. We will share details as things progress. 50% Regional Resilience Plan A plan outlining the climate forecast of the region, identifying risks and opportunities and identifying actions for next steps. 95% Implementation Plan Tailored implementation to different municipal roles; we are working together to assess how programs and services will be impacted and define relevant actions. Complete Networking Plan Reaching out to other small communities in Alberta and Canada to share in progress and innovation. 75% Plan, Policy & Bylaw Review Each community will perform an independent review process of plans, policies and bylaws to include resilience processes. Communities will share language and plan structures wherever possible. 75% Resource Hub A relevant one-stop-shop Resource Hub on the Resilient Rurals website for other communities to access. Complete Communications Toolkit The communications toolkit will provide communities with the right tools to inform residents of risks and resilience actions, and allow them to communicate immediately in an emergency. 75% Business Continuity Strategy Maintaining critical operations and services to our residents. Ensuring back-ups, necessary access and having a plan in place for emergency. Complete Community Assessments We are examining our human resources, financial resources, communications resources, infrastructure needs, disaster preparedness and readiness for business continuity. Complete

Community Resilience Rural Resilience and Climate Change Learn about climate resilience through the rural lens. Exploring Climate Resilience Download What Does a Resilient Community Look Like? Download Dimensions of Community Resilience Download Principles for Taking Resilience Action (Mini Guide) Download Vulnerabilities and Strengths of Rural Communities Learn about climate resilience through the rural lens. Climate Change Vulnerability in Rural Communities Download Climate Change Adaptive Strengths in Rural Communities Download

Wildfire Warning In Alberta, Wildfire Season runs from March 31 - October 31 each year. Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and situations can quickly change. Prevention and preparedness are critical aspects of responding to a Wildfire Warning. Key Vulnerable Populations: Seniors (65+) Anyone who has reduced mobility due to a disability or other factors Anyone who lives with a condition that requires caregiver assistance Anyone who lives with a health condition that increases risk with poor air quality (e.g., moderate to severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, etc.) Anyone who manages a health condition with equipment that requires electricity and/or running water Who Else May Be Vulnerable? Other vulnerable groups can include people who live alone or run a lone-parent household, and people who live with mental health issues. 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 Wildfire Warning Impact Me? Wildfires can have a devastating impact on communities and ecosystems. It is important to prepare for a wildfire in your area by creating an Emergency Preparedness kit, and understanding the evacuation routes in your community before a wildfire becomes a concern. Alongside devastating impacts to homes and property, wildfires can worsen air quality or lead to smoke inhalation, which can cause difficult/noisy breathing, a hoarse voice or trouble speaking, coughing, and possible changes in mental state (lethargy, agitation, confusion, etc.). Resilient Rurals Wildfire Warning Resources: Safeguarding Properties From Wildfire Wildfires and Air Quality For more Resilient Rurals Resources visit Wildfires in the Resource Hub! Additional Resources Alberta Wildfires Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard Wildfire Resources (Alberta Health Services) Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

< Back to Rural Showcase Champions for Change: Empowering Rural Communities for a Brighter Tomorrow Every thriving community shares a common goal: to build a place where everyone can grow and where wellness and health are supported throughout everyday life. Initiatives led by Champions for Change stand out as their unwavering efforts have lasting impacts on their community and serve as proof of the power of small steps and community involvement. Driving Change in Alberta’s Heartland In the vast landscape of Alberta, rural communities are symbols of resilience and close-knit relationships. However, rural residents face challenges including limited access to essential services, a lack of recreational opportunities, and a declining population. Rural communities often have less time, funds, and staffing capacity to address rising concerns, requiring them to drive change. Through determination, innovation, and collaboration, local initiatives emerge with the goal of transforming communities into places of opportunity and well-being. In St. Paul, Alberta, one organization is committed to transforming its community into a vibrant, inclusive, and healthy space. Champions for Change is a non-profit propelled by amazing individuals with huge hearts who want the best for their community. We met with Penny Fox, President of Champions for Change, to discuss the initiatives that they have implemented in St. Paul to keep their community engaged and empowered. “ We all want a place where we can thrive and we all want to live in a community where we feel included, and we all want to live in a healthy and active community,.” – Penny Fox, Champions for Change Champions for Change focuses their efforts into three key areas: downtown revitalization, children and youth, and the well-being of community members. These three key areas became the foundation behind all their initiatives. Action Alberta Health Initiative - Baby Steps to Cross-Country Ski Clubs In early 2003-2004, the Action Alberta Initiative looked at ways to reduce chronic illness numbers in communities in Alberta. Chronic illnesses require ongoing management, and approximately 30% of Albertans reported having at least one chronic health issue; this rises to more than 75% if you are 65 or older. Reports developed by Alberta Health (2013) showed that in 2010, three of four chronic diseases (hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)) had higher prevalence rates in St. Paul compared to provincial rates. As a result, St. Paul became one of the main sites for the initiative. As Penny explains, “Some things came to light and one of them was we need to be more active… but how do we get the whole community more active and healthy?” In the following years, they took the initiative to start community gardens, a cross-country ski club, and other health-promoting programs. Their efforts were successful in lowering chronic illness rates in the community, with Alberta Health comparing 132 local geographic areas and ranking each based on chronic illness (a lower rank is desirable). In 2010, St. Paul was placed 126th in hypertension, 8th in diabetes, 26th in ischemic heart disease, and 20th in COPD (Alberta Health, 2013). In 2020, St. Paul placed 20th in hypertension, 5th in diabetes, 13th in ischemic heart disease, and 24th in COPD (Alberta Health, 2022). Compared to those in other geographic areas, there is an overall improvement in St. Paul's chronic illness ranks from 2010 to 2020. Community volunteers used this momentum to form their own non-profit, St. Paul 2020, which eventually became the Champions for Change. Champions for Change - The Path Towards Community Wellness Champions for Change recognizes that a community’s health extends beyond physical well-being, and focuses their efforts to combine social and cultural aspects, aiming for a holistic perspective. Through partnerships with local businesses and organisations on projects meant to revive their downtown area, they have breathed new life into their community while preserving its rich and vibrant heritage. The revitalization journey is multi-faceted - Champions for Change included elements of local business revival, educational and cultural initiatives, and extensive community engagement. With such diverse initiatives, we were curious as to how Champions for Change engages their community, which is a critical part of fostering a shared perception of a community’s future. Penny outlined some incredibly unique initiatives that Champions for Change has implemented in St. Paul. The Incredible Edible Barrels One of the best ways to focus on community wellness and making a community healthy is by encouraging healthful foods. Incredible Edible Barrels, one of Champions for Change’s initiatives, seeks to do just that. It not only provides edible flowers, vegetables, and herbs, but also gives space for people to gather, share their knowledge, and build relationships. “Volunteers come together to plant them… we all bring our gloves, and we all get our hands dirty,” Penny shares. These barrels encourage sustainability and community resilience as the fresh produce is used by a St. Paul restaurant and people passing by. As more people learn how to grow their own food, they too can promote food security with their own gardens. The funding of the Incredible Edible Barrels demonstrates how a community can work together to ensure initiatives like these barrels run smoothly and efficiently. To raise the visibility and accessibility of the edible plants, the barrels are placed along the walking trail of their downtown in front of these businesses. Local businesses can choose to rent barrels to be placed in front of their stores for $50.00 apiece, and these planters are subsidised through a grant from a local store, Peavey Mart. The Parks Department distributes and loads the barrels, then waters them throughout the week while watering the hanging flowers on lampposts across the downtown area. Workers placing Incredible Barrels around St. Paul. Another benefit of the Incredible Edible Barrels is the opportunity it provides to teach young kids and even their parents about what can be grown in the barrels. It provides an outdoor classroom. “We put tags on them so that when young kids and parents are walking or the day homes or the Boys and Girls Club, when they walk by, they stop and say to the kids “this is a tomato” and there’s a little plaque there that will say this is a tomato and this is what its used for or this is a plant that can be eaten . We see lots of moms pushing strollers… they’re doing that. They’re teaching their kids about how food is grown.” Showing what growing plants look like and making them accessible to the community introduces fresh produce early in children’s lives, and encourages parents to include more fruits and vegetables on plates at home. Picking herbs from Incredible Edible Barrels Public Art Pieces – purchased local pieces and banners The heart of every rural community is a blank canvas ready to be painted with vibrant hues of creativity and history. Public art, whether murals, sculptures, or banners, plays a vital role in shaping the identity and spirit of these communities. It serves as a storyteller, recounting the history and values of a community. When asked about their downtown revitalization efforts, Penny shared that Champions for Change incorporates one piece of public art every year into their initiatives. Regional artists and local artwork are a key aspect of their downtown revitalization efforts, through which they are able to anchor a sense of connectedness within their community. Public art serves as an important connection between the past, present, and future. By sourcing their art from regional artists and exhibiting artwork that recalls the story of their town, Champions for Change makes a timeless statement about St. Paul’s identity, resilience, and enduring spirit that thrives in the landscape of their unique community. In 2015, Champions for Change installed various large art panels in downtown St. Paul . These panels acted as a canvas for heritage, depicting generations’ stories, preserving traditions, and celebrating St. Paul’s unique history. Penny also shared a creative way to include the community in their public art while also showcasing the non-profits established in their community. “When you drive into town, you will see banners. They’re all different. We have a different theme and they’ve been painted by our not-for-profits. We’ve got these beautiful banners in our downtown and it’s high impact and everybody sees them, and those not-for-profits that paint them have fun doing it.” The banners are an expression of collective identity, and the process of making and hanging them strengthens the bonds of their community. This project has given their partner organizations a chance to bring together different groups of people to collaborate on creating a unique piece of artwork. For example, Champions for Change partnered with the Boys and Girls Club in 2014, which used the project to give kids a chance to work together to create a distinctive banner that would reflect their organization . The prominent placement of these banners is crucial in reinforcing and maintaining the interconnectedness of the town and its community members, providing a strong sense of community pride, community engagement, and a shared dedication towards a common goal. Banners created by members of the St. Paul Francophone Community. The downtown revitalization initiatives include mosaics and murals too. When asked about their murals, Penny told us “Every time that’s done, the community takes part somehow.” They’ve had murals completed by their youth and most recently, a mural made completely by those who volunteered. These murals bring the community together, strengthen bonds, and become a piece of history.” Human Connection - A Cornerstone for Strong Communities From the delicious Incredible Edible Barrels to the captivating public art pieces, Champions for Change has led remarkable initiatives in the town of St. Paul. Given the impact of these efforts, we were eager to learn about the future priorities for Champions for Change. “In the last year, we’ve been really focused on that reconnection after COVID,” Penny explained, “I really think COVID has had a longer lasting impact than what we realized… We still need to get back into the game because there’s a lot of people that are still a little bit nervous about stepping back into all of the things they used to do. And I think we have to make sure that that fear that was created during COVID doesn’t stick around forever.” Luckily, Champions for Change is always encouraging St. Paul residents to visit their committee with new ideas. “We’ve seen lots of people have great ideas too, but they just don’t have an organization behind it. So, they’ll come and say “Hey, you know, would Champions for Change be interested in doing this?... there’s no formal process. There’s no paperwork. There’s come to the meeting, throw us your idea, and let’s sit and talk about it, and see what happens.” Maintaining an open door and warm welcome invites diverse ideas and eager individuals to join the efforts to strengthen community ties. Champions for Change is an enduring, original, grassroots approach to small town revitalization. They value the input of their community members, belonging, and the health of their friends and neighbours. The Resilient Rurals team is eager to see what new initiatives emerge out of St.Paul. Additional Resources Alberta Health. (2013). Community profile: St. Paul health data and summary. In Open Alberta. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/618640fe-7bcf-457f-906b-6e1cb5552288/resource/56b7e468-8401-4637-ba5b-08988c69037a/download/phc-profile-st.paul-2013-02.pdf Alberta Health. (2022). Community profile: St. Paul health data and summary. In Open Alberta. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/618640fe-7bcf-457f-906b-6e1cb5552288/resource/80d6f147-0df2-4fdd-a2e4-68da907d69d3/download/hlth-phc-st-paul-2022.pdf 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.

Extreme Heat Warning In Alberta, Heat Warnings are issued when daytime temperatures meet/exceed 29 C and overnight lows meet/exceed 14 C for at least two days in a row. Key Vulnerable Groups: Seniors (65+) Anyone living with a health condition that increases heat sensitivity (e.g., cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, high blood pressure etc.) Anyone treating a health condition with medication that increases heat sensitivity (e.g., blood pressure treatments, diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, medicines to treat psychiatric conditions, etc.) If you are taking medication, talk to your medical provider to determine if your condition or medication increases your sensitivity to heat and/or sun (UV rays). Who Else May Be Vulnerable? Other vulnerable groups can include people who live in a low-income household, 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 An Extreme Heat Warning Impact Me? If an Extreme Heat Warning is released, it is important to know how to keep your home cool, as well as where cooling centers may be located in your community. There are also ways to help your body stay cool during the hottest parts of the day. 10 cool tips for staying cool: Arrange fans near open windows at night to move cool air into your home Keep the windows open at night to let cool air in, and closed during the day to keep the hot air out Arrange air conditioner units if possible Stay hydrated and shaded (including keeping blinds/curtains closed during the days) Eat hydrating foods, such as watermelon, cucumber, apples, or other juicy fruits/veggies Practice sun safety, as sunburns can reduce the body's ability to stay cool Wear lighter and looser clothing Avoid strenuous activities, especially when the temperature rises Take cool showers, swimming, or using sprinklers Do not leave any person or pet inside a closed vehicle under any circumstances Understanding and recognizing the signs of heat stroke and/or heat exhaustion is important. If someone is nauseous/vomiting, has a headache, is dizzy/fainting, extremely thirsty, breathing shallowly and/or rapidly, is not urinating, or is experiencing behavioural changes, it's important to act quickly. You can cool a person down using shade, cool cloths, and fans. It's also important to make sure the person has water to drink. You can also remove shoes or clothing as necessary to facilitate cooling. Call 911 if someone is still feeling unwell after 30 minutes of cooling, is not sweating while feeling too hot, loses consciousness, has a fit (seizure), or becomes non-responsive. Resilient Rurals Extreme Heat Warning Resources: Are You Heat Vulnerable? Heat-Induced Medical Emergencies and How To Prevent Them Recommendations for Extreme Heat For more Resilient Rurals Resources Extreme Heat in the Resource Hub Additional Resources Heat Warning Information (Alberta Health Services) Dealing With A Heatwave (Strathcona County) Extreme Heat Events (Canada.ca) Click here to check out more Rural Assist Program resources

< Back to Rural Showcase QUEST Canada - Advancing Community Capacity in the Quest for Net-Zero QUEST Canada is a national non-profit, championing energy innovation and climate change mitigation to accelerate the net-zero transition at the community level. A central factor driving QUEST Canada’s initiatives is the power that Canada’s communities hold in the climate change arena. We wanted to learn more about QUEST Canada’s initiatives and how climate adaptation and mitigation can go hand in hand in rural communities. We sat down with Eric Timmins, Senior Lead of Projects, at QUEST Canada, and talked about the opportunities available for smaller rural communities to prepare for the impacts of climate change while playing their role in the quest for net-zero. So, in Eric’s eyes, what does QUEST Canada do for Canadian communities? “QUEST Canada is a nonprofit and non-government organization that is all about local-level energy systems. We work with a number of communities all across Canada—from the policy side to the governance and implementation side. We work with communities on their journey to net-zero, helping them become more sustainable and smarter with their own energy.” Terminology 101: Net-zero? Climate mitigation? Climate adaptation? There are a lot of buzz words in the climate change sphere, so let’s start with ‘net-zero.’ Canada’s federal government aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, by either lowering national carbon emissions, or counter-acting enough emissions to achieve a net-zero position. For most small-town communities this goal may seem completely out of scope and a potentially daunting commitment, so we talked to Eric about what this could look like for the average town in Canada. Incorporating climate-mitigation strategies into our everyday policies and lifestyles is one way we can get closer to achieving net-zero. Mitigation vs. Adaptation Climate mitigation involves strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like integrating renewable energy sources into local grids, planting trees for increased carbon sequestration, and reducing energy consumption overall. While net-zero may be in reach, the impacts of climate change are already occurring, and Alberta’s communities can expect changes that we need to prepare for. This is where climate adaptation comes into play. Through adaptation, we can make both small and large changes to equip our communities for the challenges to come. Spotting the co-benefits: the sometimes hidden bonuses of adaptation and mitigation Climate adaptation and mitigation plans have their more obvious benefits: increased resilience to the impacts brought on by extreme weather events and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. There are hidden positive outcomes as well, and these are referred to as ‘co-benefits.’ Eric explains co-benefits are felt ‘more directly’ in the community, and include cleaner air, more moderate temperatures, and lower insurance premiums. Additionally, community investment into naturalization projects for more parks and urban farms helps improve a community’s culture and overall sense of well-being. The important first step for communities: know what you're up against and conduct a climate hazard and risk assessment “Having a climate hazard and risk assessment done will show the community what their primary concerns are with regards to extreme weather events. And also, what community infrastructure and assets are the ones that are most at risk—that's really the first thing you can do because it'll create a good, strong foundation for any action you take in the future.” Climate hazard and risk assessments are an important first step communities can take to gauge vulnerability and understand weak points in relation to mitigation and/or adaptation. Referencing climate projections for local community regions, through resources like the Climate Atlas , can help policy-makers better understand which weather changes and extreme events may impact their region. What support is available for communities wanting to conduct a climate hazard and risk assessment? QUEST Canada’s Resilience and Energy Mapping Workshops The workshops QUEST Canada provides for communities are “a core component of what the organization does and are foundational to their community focused approach. They enable key stakeholders in the community, including elected officials and municipal staff, to contribute to the work of developing community climate adaptation, energy and emissions plans.” The visual aspect of the Energy Mapping Workshop provides participants with a macro-level view of their community and it's easier to see how all the different systems within the community interact. Accessing Climate Data An exciting amount of climate data has recently become available for public access. These tools include Climate Atlas Canada and Climate Data . “These are both portals that provide communities with free open access data they can use for their own purposes that really shows them what their projections look like… They don’t have to pay consultants to do it. There are also guides on how to interpret the data and how to use the data properly.” Funding Streams There has also been incredible growth in funding available for climate adaptation and mitigation work in Canada. A great example is the climate resilience program through the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre here in Alberta that provides funding for communities for this exact work - the building of climate adaptation plans as well as working towards implementing a number of actions. What role do rural communities play in achieving net-zero: suggested strategies “Rural communities, remote communities and smaller communities are basically the front lines for a lot of this [adaptation work] as they are the ones often most at risk. They tend to have less redundant energy systems and civil infrastructure, and in the event of extreme weather events they can see longer delays in response times regarding repairs or emergency response. Communities hold a lot of power. The majority of energy used in Canada—upwards of 60%—is at the community level, be it residential, commercial, industrial, or for transportation. And in connection with that, it's where the majority of emissions are generated, over half in Canada.” Each of the strategies Eric discussed are pretty low to minimal cost for communities, and are well within a community’s level of control. He explains, “These are all actions where once they start adding up, they can really put the community on a trajectory towards being net-zero.” Smaller projects are a great way to start and show leadership within a community Eric suggests that small projects model climate leadership and form a basis for inspiration in other areas of the community. “We see things like having a flagship community building, such as an arena, community centre, or town hall, be the focus of high energy performance standards or local microgeneration like solar PV.” Through smaller projects like these, towns can set an example and model the standards they desire among their residents. “These are all low-cost options that communities can pursue to inspire change.” Other options that may motivate behavioural changes include: implementing anti-idling bylaws educational awareness campaigns on active transportation and home energy efficiency installing solar panels on smaller community buildings or assets as a demonstration Use zoning to attract green energy investment and business There are a number of ways for municipalities and communities to signal to the market that they are ready to pursue more change and are open for green energy business. “We’ve seen a good example with some communities developing something called a green zoning bylaw where the municipality has zoned specific areas throughout their community specifically for the development of renewable energy projects. It signals to the marketplace—to private renewable developers or investors—that this community is ready for [green energy] development. It reduces red tape and makes it easier for them to develop there.” Learn about the green zoning of Saint John in the City of Saint John Community GHG and Energy Action Plan . Generate capacity by collaborating with other communities Small towns may find they have limited capacity for climate adaptation initiatives when working alone, but can multiply their efforts through collaboration with neighbouring communities. From shared service agreements to regional action plans, community collaboration is an essential aspect of climate adaptation and a key element of the work of both Resilient Rurals and QUEST Canada. “Having connections and partnerships allows for things like the pooling of resources, the open sharing of knowledge, the exchange of information, and on the other side, the exchange of lessons learned—“we tried that and it didn't work”—it can help prevent allocating resource scenarios that maybe aren't as effective. It gives all of the partnering communities or partnering stakeholders more resources and more information to everyone trying to reach their goals.” Small-town communities have frequently proven their resilience against droughts and extreme weather events in the past, and there is no reason not to collaborate to face the next great challenge of climate change. Some may suggest net-zero pursuits are out of a small prairie community’s grasp, but organizations like QUEST Canada are showing that a host of services, data, funding and networking opportunities are available to support rural communities. The benefits of installing green policies and preparing for climate change today far out-weigh the costs of inaction. 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 Training Modules These modules are designed to educate and inform individuals about the importance of food sovereignty and how to cultivate sovereignty in one's own food system. By watching the following modules, you'll learn about the principles of food sovereignty, the benefits of local food systems, and how to advocate for food resilience in your community. Join us in creating a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. Certificate of Completion Complete the Pre- and Post-evaluations to earn a Certificate of Completion! Self-paced Certificate of Completion 2 hours Get started 🌾 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. Read More 🌿 The Current Food Landscape This module is about the current food landscape in Alberta. Learn about the shared challenges faced by Indigenous and rural communities, the role Canadian agriculture plays in our economy, and the barriers that exist when revitalising rural communities. Read More 🌽 The Impacts of Colonization on Indigenous Food Systems This module was developed in collaboration with Indigenous guidance through SevGen Consulting. Learn about the impacts of colonization on Indigenous food systems. Read More 🌽 Indigenous People as Leaders in the Food Sovereignty Movement This module was developed in collaboration with Indigenous guidance through SevGen Consulting. Learn about how indigenous peoples and communities are leading food sovereignty movements. Read More 🍎 Health Impacts of Food Disruptions The module will cover how our health is affected when food becomes insecure, and the influences on food insecurity in Indigenous and rural communities. Finally, it will highlight how small communities can target food insecurity using real-world examples from Alberta. Read More 🌽 Different Approaches to Regaining Control Over Our Food This module will outline the value of cultivating food sovereignty, and ways we can each build resilience into our food system at any level. Read More 🌱 Cross-Cultural Collaboration for Food Sovereignty This module was created in partnership with Indigenous guidance through SevGen Consulting. It will cover how Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities can collaborate to progress food sovereignty for all. Read More

Surveys Bruderheim Community Vulnerability Survey Town of Bruderheim wants to explore the different types of climate vulnerability the community experiences. As we see more challenging weather like windstorms, freezing rain, floods, wildfires, heat waves, and poor air quality, we must empower residents with information and support. It’s important that our vulnerabilities aren’t overlooked and people aren't left behind. Who should complete this survey? All Bruderheim residents are encouraged to participate in the Community Vulnerability Survey. Don't think you're 'climate-vulnerable'? Vulnerable or not, your experience is part of the whole community picture and is important to take into consideration. Take the survey and learn about how broad climate vulnerability can be. Complete the survey 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

< Back to Rural Showcase Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources - Interweaving Western Science With Indigenous Knowledge To Further Environmental Adaptation Collaboration. Leadership. Environmental change. These characteristics are embodied by the Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources, an organization supporting community-led and community-championed projects informed by Indigenous and Western knowledge lenses. We can gather information about climate change from numerous streams. For example, the scientific community is well-versed with data-driven facts about shifting seasons, risk assessments and changing habitats. However, Indigenous peoples and communities have witnessed the changes and the impacts that need to be addressed through oral histories and lived experiences. At CIER , these two arenas aren’t separate at all; they are married together to create effective climate initiatives. We spoke to Richard Farthing-Nichol, a CIER project manager, and Laren Bill, a former CIER student-now-turned preferred consultant, about how Indigenous Knowledge plays a pivotal role in community climate change adaptation. “[Indigenous Knowledge] contributes a broader perspective on the issue and climate change needs creative solutions—needs a diversity of approaches. The more we can rely on different types of knowledge, worldviews and knowledge systems, I think the better off we will be.” - Richard Farthing-Nichol Community: The Foundation of CIER’s Climate Adaptation Model This Indigenous-directed National- organization which is based in Winnipeg has completed countless projects ranging from energy planning to water governance to protecting biodiversity. But the common thread running through each project and partnership CIER undertakes is the importance of centering the community in the solutions and the action. As Richard tells us, “everything we do is underlined by the ethos that the projects are community-led”. So why is centring communities critical to adapting to a changing climate? Simply put, communities hold a wealth of knowledge. In Indigenous communities, sheer proximity to the land and reliance on the climate is critical when noticing the minute changes that signify bigger and perhaps invisible changes are taking place. For example, Laren explains in many Northern Indigenous communities, generations of living off the land have equipped Elders with an awareness that changing weather patterns now make it a lot harder for people in their community to predict the thickness of the ice. Identifying these issues can then lead to a quicker, more effective, and more targeted solution. When a project is community-led, the community can target specific issues of concern while building capacity among community members to address them. Richard highlights the importance of listening to and partnering with communities, “taking a back seat or a supporting role with the people from the community [they’re] working with.” Bringing Two Worldviews Together: How The Collaborative Leadership Initiative Fosters Climate Adaptation The Collaborative Leadership Initiative (CLI) is one of CIER’s most prized projects. Based on an understanding that we all rely on the land for our livelihoods, CLI is a model bringing together leaders from Indigenous and municipal communities to work together on common environmental issues. The first locale for CLI is a partnership of communities in Manitoba collaborating on water governance and conservation. As Laren points out, what makes it unique is it’s “the first time in 150 years since the treaties were signed that the municipalities and First Nations actually sat at the same table to talk about some of these common interests, common issues, and how they might be able to address them.” “[The Collaborative Leadership Initiative is] a reconciliation-based initiative bringing leaders together in a way they've never worked together before in the whole history of Manitoba.” - Richard Farthing-Nichol Beginning with the elected leaders of 11 First Nation and 16 municipal communities, CLI has played a critical role in building relationships, understanding histories, and moving the conversation forward to address regional waste management and the future of shared waters. CLI originated in a single breakfast meeting and has since blossomed into an enduring initiative, whose momentum has been driven by the community leaders at the table and supported by CIER, the Winnipeg Metropolitan Region, and the Southern Chiefs’ Organization. “We are at the beginning of the five-year project to take the CLI model of shared governance and expand it across the country. We're looking to work with different leaders across the country to apply the model, adapt it to new contexts, and help build better collaboration in other places.” - Richard Farthing-Nichol You can watch CIER’s documentary about CLI and its successes, as well as learn how your community can get involved, on CIER’s website . Housing, Services, Poverty: Indigenous Communities Face More Than Climate Challenges There have been many exciting advancements and adaptations when addressing climate change across Canadian communities. In Indigenous communities, in particular, addressing climate impacts requires taking a variety of persisting challenges unique to Indigenous communities into consideration. The remoteness of some Indigenous homes is part of these unique challenges, including Reliance on ice roads, which are less predictable as the weather warms The higher costs of utilities and food, especially in communities that live further north Persistent, long-term housing crises, which leave families vulnerable to shifting elements Changing weather patterns, which alter the availability of water sources, country foods, and medicines The legacy of colonization has stationed many Indigenous communities in marginalized areas, where they have less access to their traditional lands and livelihoods. Often, these areas are more susceptible to natural disasters such as flooding. For example, Peguis First Nation traditionally lived on the lands near Selkirk, but have since been moved nearly two hours north of Winnipeg. It was in this new location where the Nation was displaced due to dangerous water levels and damaged infrastructure during Manitoba’s widespread flooding in May 2022. “Peguis First Nation had to evacuate over 2000 people and 45% of those were children or youth.They were being displaced from their communities and their homes, and this disrupted their lives entirely. How do these children continue their education, finish their school year in a good way?” - Laren Bill A Continued Story of Resilience Despite many of the enduring and unique challenges faced by Indigenous communities, the resilience and strength of these communities must be acknowledged. For example, when Peguis First Nation was flooded, “they did an amazing job and they continued to find housing or accommodations for all of their members”, Laren explains. Moreover, land-based knowledge and oral history are continuously recognized as valuable resources and contributions to the climate adaptation discussion. By honouring and including Indigenous Knowledge in their projects, CIER is helping build capacity and recognize the resilience of their partners. “Having worked with communities for over 20 years, capacity building is always needed, always going to be needed.” - Laren Bill Capacity building translates to connecting with the local youth and encouraging them to expand the knowledge and skills available to the community. “It's a super important piece for making sure there's intergenerational knowledge transfer. It is also critical to help ensure the sustainability of the work we're doing,” Richard explains. How CIER Honours Indigenous Knowledge Indigenous Knowledge is increasingly respected for its role in contributing to the climate adaptation discussion. It is also critical that this wisdom is used in a way that fosters relationship-building and reconciliation. At CIER, they honour Indigenous Knowledge by: Ensuring direct community involvement and leadership in projects Engaging Elders in discussions, and securing their involvement in projects Approaching Elders with appropriate offers and protocols Having in-person, outdoor meetings to facilitate connection For more information about the various workshops CIER offers to support your community or organization, visit their website . More Notable Projects: Engaging, Collaborating, and Building Literacy We have discussed how CLI is built upon collaboration, engagement, and building a shared literacy or understanding of the world around us. CIER’s work does not stop there. Keep reading to learn what other initiatives CIER has been instrumental in supporting. Shining Lights Energy Literacy And Language - Northwest Territories Energy literacy is a key component of achieving energy efficiency. As a preferred consultant, Laren was able to share the intention and activities of the Shining Lights Energy Literacy and Language program. “The program included working with some of the youth and individuals from surrounding Yellowknife. We brought them together over a three-day workshop to educate champions from each of the communities about energy literacy.” - Laren Bill Electricity rates are higher in the Northwest Territories than anywhere else in Canada. Therefore, it was critical to build a firm understanding of how to understand energy efficiency, and what energy-efficient practices people could implement. Some energy-efficient practices include: Insulating outlets Covering windows with plastic Using electricity alternatives to heat the home Understanding the value of solar Increasing knowledge about biofuels Check out the project's info graphics: Save Energy, Money and the Planet - Shining Lights Poster .pdf Download PDF • 939KB Sharing Savings - Shining Lights Poster .pdf Download PDF • 1.01MB Engaging Community In Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation CIER is currently working with Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation (SBOFN) to develop a climate change adaptation plan and take action to enhance the climate resilience of the community. By consulting Elders and members of the community, SBOFN and CIER staff have fostered and built relationships that were instrumental in moving forward with the planning process. Good community engagement helped identify tree planting as a key priority of community members, and community members and Elders alike were able to specify and brainstorm locations where more trees should be planted. Hundreds of trees were planted around the community in the spring of 2022, and thousands more are planned in the coming year. This process was informed by CIER’s Indigenous Climate Change Adaptation Planning Toolkit , a free guide for anyone interested in undertaking the climate adaptation process themselves. CIER: A Shared Path Forward Climate adaptation is a rocky road. Likewise, there is no easy path to reconciliation. But CIER pursues both with their organization's vision and actions. The organization aligns climate adaptation and reconciliation on a shared path forward by centering Indigenous Knowledge and experiences in finding solutions, bringing Indigenous and non-indigenous communities together over common governance issues, and building resilience capacity among generations. On this path, both Indigenous Knowledge and Western science have critical roles to play. As climate adaptation rises to the forefront of the conversation, it is tools and initiatives supported by CIER that enable communities to take control of their own climate future. 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.