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External Resource Directory Locate climate data and reports, explore training materials, connect with regional climate service providers, and discover organizations revolutionizing the climate landscape with their innovative offerings. Data Climate Reports Climate Service Providers Municipal Tools Training Legislation Climate Data and Data Visualization A Guide to Finding Climate Information & Data (ClimateWest) T his guide offers a collection of credible sources for accessing free climate data. Its emphasis is on the information needs of the Prairie provinces in Canada and provides an overview of where to find different forms of data, as well as basic guidance on using climate information for risk management and adaptation planning. ​ ​Climate Atlas of Canada T he Climate Atlas of Canada combines climate science, mapping, and storytelling to bring the global issue of climate change closer to home for Canadians. It is designed to inspire local, regional, and national action that will let us move from risk to resilience. Indigenous Climate Change Maps (Climate Atlas of Canada) A new Indigenous map layer for the Climate Atlas of Canada provides data for 634 First Nations and 53 Inuit communities from coast to coast to coast, as well as climate projects across the Métis homeland. Climate Data Canada High-resolution climate data to help decision-makers build a more resilient Canada. Explore data visualizations by location, variable, and sector. ​ Climate Change in the Prairies An ArcGIS Story Map of climate change in the Canadian Prairies. ​ Alberta Climate Records Through this application, you can explore climate changes and averages for 6,834 10-by-10 km squares in Alberta for 52 climate indices based on historical records between 1951 - 2017 and three future projections for 2041 - 2070. Rural Development Network SevGen Consulting QUESTCanada ALUS Canada Alberta Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources Beaver Hills Biosphere Rural Mental Health Network Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute Rural Routes to Climate Solutions Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities Rural Development Network Capacity Building • Consulting Services • Community Projects • Program Offerings ​ The Rural Development Network advocates for rural voices across the Canada, focusing on development and service provision to address rural-specific issues. Some of their areas of expertise include affordable housing provision, homelessness, community revitalization, wellness promotion, and agricultural literacy. ​ With a team that possesses extensive experience and a wide range of partners across the country, the network has its finger on the pulse of opportunities for rural communities and residents. Beyond that, they continue to develop new initiatives to meet the evolving needs of rural areas. ​ Visit Website Contact

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

Resilient Rurals recognizes the power and potential of small and rural communities to foster resilience and advance climate adaptation solutions. View Projects Discover Resources Connect Resilient Rurals began as a partnership between the towns of Bruderheim, Gibbons and Lamont for a regional climate change adaptation and resilience project within Alberta's Industrial Heartland. It's a new approach—created by small towns, for small towns. ​ Join us to define shared risks and opportunities, and to work together to serve as a model for rural resilience. We welcome any community interested to join us on this journey. We have much to share and learn! Join Us Introducing... Rural Showcase Hear from the people working through climate and resilience issues daily, as they share their perspectives and ideas for building a resilient future for rural Canada, together. Explore the Campaign Resilient Rurals On Social Media Follow us on Social Media Latest Stories Harvesting Perspectives of a Resilient Food Future Food For Thought Registry Systems and Disaster Preparedness for Communities of All Sizes Resource Hub Adaptation & Resilience Guides Social Media Toolkit Information Library Emergency Preparedness Home & Property External Resource Directory Funding provided by: Resilient Rurals is a part of the Municipal Climate Change Action Centre’s Climate Resilience Capacity Building Program , which serves to enable Alberta communities to better understand and respond to the impacts of climate change. ​ We extend a huge thanks to the Action Centre and its partners, Alberta Municipalities, Rural Municipalities of Alberta and the Government of Alberta for championing critical climate adaptation work across Albertan communities of all sizes and in all stages of climate-readiness. Learn about the Capacity Building Program

Resource Hub A one-stop-shop for community members and resilience leaders seeking impactful information. Discover program and policy planning guides for adaptation and resilience, downloadable social media sets and fact sheets, and a directory of organizations and external tools. Adaptation & Resilience Planning Guides Need some extra planning support or inspiration? Sharing ideas, knowledge, and experience is one of the quickest routes to innovation, so with that in mind, here’s what we’ve been up to... View Guides Social Media Toolkit Quick and easily shareable content? We’ve got you covered. ​ Posts for Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and even your community newsletter. Browse Toolkit Information Library Fact sheets about climate change, rural resilience, community wellness, emergency preparedness and safeguarding homes and properties—all in one place! Browse Library External Resource Directory Locate climate data and reports, explore training materials, connect with regional climate service providers, and discover o rganizations revolutionizing the climate landscape with their innovative offerings. Continue to the Directory

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

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

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

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< Back to Communities Lamont ​ CITY LIVING, COUNTRY STYLE Lamont is home to 1,774 residents and lies at the east edge of Alberta's Industrial Heartland. ​ Learn more: www.lamont.ca 2019 - 2022 Strategic Plan Lamont's Alberta HUB Community Profile ​ Follow Lamont on ​ ​ ​

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