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

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. Next Home Transcription & Notes Coming soon... The Impacts of Colonization on Indigenous Food Systems Transcription and Slides Transcript PDF Back Next

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. Next Home Transcription & Notes 0:00 Welcome back. Previously, we defined food sovereignty and the unique role it can play in addressing Canada's food insecurity. In Module 2, we will explore the current food landscape in Alberta. We will touch on topics such as the shared challenges faced by rural and indigenous communities, the role Canadian agriculture plays in our economy, and finally, the barriers that exist when revitalising rural communities. 0:33 Rural and Indigenous communities have a lot of differences. However, they also share significant food insecurity factors, including: Higher food costs Food that travels longer distances to reach communities, which can increase spoilage and cost There is often a lack of local grocery stores, which can impact the nutritional value of food. Or these communities might only have one grocery store, which can exacerbate those high prices. Transportation infrastructure is particularly vulnerable to weather impacts and due to a lower population density, fixing and maintaining transportation routes is often considered lower priority. Limited support services exist within each community, which can reduce their ability to respond to different challenges. And finally, both rural and indigenous communities exhibit strong community resilience, which is a protective factor against food insecurity. It is because of these shared food insecurity factors that we believe we can generate shared food insecurity solutions. 1:48 Canada has a strong, agri-food industry, which generates significant revenue (1). Despite generating nearly $90 billion in 2022, the reality is that the number of Canadian farms is decreasing, as industrial farms buy independently-owned property (1). One aspect of this is the urbanisation trend in Canada. Over 80% of Canadians live in urban centres, making Canada more urbanised than the United States, France and Germany (2). Despite agriculture operating as one of its main industries, Alberta has urbanised significantly since 1901; in 1901, only 25% of Alberta's population lived in urban centres and a mere 115 years later, 83.5% of Albertans now live in large towns and cities (3). The discovery of oil and fossil fuels, industrialisation, and World War II all played a significant role in driving Alberta's urban boom (3). This pattern of industrialisation and urbanisation in Alberta has resulted in significant depopulation of rural areas, which places rural municipalities at a significant disadvantage due to a reduced tax base and greater responsibilities dedicated delegated by the provincial government (4). These challenges can make it difficult for small towns and rural communities in Alberta to meet their infrastructure needs or invest in services to draw in new residents (4). 3:25 Rural communities are facing a small tax base, which reduces their capacity to adapt, our farm, nursery, and greenhouse sector is also facing a significant lack of workers (5). Farmers are growing older and many do not have plans for who will take over their farms when they retire (5). Often these family farms will be absorbed by industrial farms. While farmers and other producers could play a significant role in stewarding the land, protecting ecosystems, and implementing carbon capture technologies, the reality is, is there's not enough workers to fill these necessary positions (5). The lack of a labour force means that sometimes crops are wasted, farmers are overworked and profits are lost (6). While temporary foreign workers have been hired for decades to fill this labour gap, even that is not enough to respond to this shortage (6). Additionally, as more of the agriculture workforce nears retirement, the existing worker pool is growing even smaller (7). The seasonality of agriculture, lack of required skills, long hours, distance from urban centres and competition with a high-paying energy industry are all factors that contribute to lack of interest in agriculture positions (7). Increased awareness among Canadian workers is needed to fill these positions and increase farm sustainability long term (6,7). 4:48 We can hope that as more people join the agricultural industry, this will also lead to more people moving to rural communities. Overwhelmingly, rural depopulation has emerged as a barrier to growing rural communities and to meeting these agricultural worker requirements. As Albertans moved to urban centres in the 20th century (3), the skills that would have opened up agricultural careers were not passed on. Additionally, personal food skills such as how to grow your own food, cook from scratch, or preserve food for winter also diminished over time (8). This was a natural pattern as the convenience of grocery stores and commercially available foods meant people did not need the labour-intensive skills that they had in the past. However, it also means that if there is a disruption to that convenience, people may not have the skills to adapt. Luckily, these skills are not forever lost. Think back to grocery store shelves. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, red yeast and baking supplies were nearly impossible to find! This move back to cooking from scratch, preservation and home gardening can be seen in the growth of social media pages and groups targeting these skill sets. Additionally, many Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, lost residents to small towns and rural areas, reflecting a potential for revitalising rural Canada with the help of remote and hybrid working conditions (9). While this pattern was not reflected in Alberta, the rising cost of housing in metropolitan areas may push residents towards affordable, smaller communities (9). 6:28 Rural Canada adds vibrancy, resilience and innovation to the Canadian fabric and contributes about 30% of the overall GDP (10). However, drawing new residents, skilled workers and youth is a continuous challenge (10). For example, high-speed internet has swiftly become a required resource for those pursuing further education, and rural communities often have limited Internet speed and bandwidth (10). Internet speeds can also act as a barrier to retaining youth and for the implementation of new technologies and businesses (10). By building stronger Internet infrastructure across the country, the Canadian government will be able to open up new opportunities and ensure rural communities can better access additional resources (10). A skilled and talented workforce can also be difficult to attract rural communities, as is represented by the decrease in healthcare services in many communities across Alberta (10). Training the existing rural population is a key, as is ensuring that rural communities are enticing enough for other skilled workers to relocate there. This often requires stronger infrastructure such as a recreation center, library, or community events (10). Unfortunately, due to a diminished tax base and reduced capacity to apply for funding, rural communities simply do not have the funds to build new infrastructure and can already struggle to maintain aging infrastructure (10). Without addressing the lack of services and the challenges that we're all communities face, rural revitalization is difficult. Finally, as rural communities will likely face the brunt of climate change impacts while lacking the funds to address these risks, rural sustainability and climate adaptation in these communities is significantly limited (10). These same climate risks expose vulnerabilities in the rural food system, exacerbating already limited choices and high costs. Visit resilientrurals.com to learn more about how we help rural communities adapt to climate risk. 8:33 That concludes Module 2: The Current Food Landscape. To learn more about this topic, please review our references page. The Current Food System Transcription and Slides Transcript PDF References Government of Canada. (2021). Overview of Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector. https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/sector/overview. Crenna, D. (2015). Urbanization. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/urbanization. Stamp, R.M. (2009). Alberta. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alberta. Hallstrom, L., Stonechild, J., & Reist, W. (2015). Alberta. State of Rural Canada. https://sorc.crrf.ca/ab/. Yaghi, M. (2023). Farmers Wanted: The labour renewal Canada needs to build the Next Green Revolution. Royal Bank of Canada: Climate. https://thoughtleadership.rbc.com/farmers-wanted-the-labour-renewal-canada-needs-to-build-the-next-green-revolution/#tab-0_ 2. Briere, K. (December 5, 2023). Alberta’s Labour Challenges Continue. Alberta Farmer Express. https://www.albertafarmexpress.ca/news/agricultures-labour-challenges-continue/. The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council. (2019). How Labour Challenges Will Shape the Future of Agriculture in Alberta: Agriculture Forecast to 2029. https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/sites/default/files/2021-11/AB_EN_Reduced%20size.pdf. Braun, J., & Beckie, M.A. (2014). Against the odds: The survival of traditional food knowledge in a rural Albertan community. Canadian Food Studies. DOI: 10.15353/cfs-rcea.v1i1.21. Cox, W. (February 17, 2023). Canadians on the move, to smaller communities. Troy Media. https://troymedia.com/lifestyle/canadian-dream-alive-in-smaller-communities/. Government of Canada. (2023). Rural opportunity, national prosperity: An Economic Development Strategy for rural Canada. https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/rural/en/rural-opportunity-national-prosperity-economic-development-strategy-rural-Canada. Back Next

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. Next Home Transcription & Notes 0:00 In previous modules, we learned how food systems have changed dramatically in two centuries. In Module 4: Health Impacts of Food Disruptions, we will discuss how our health is changed when food becomes insecure. 0:19 Food is our body’s fuel and plays a critical role in our overall functioning. When someone is food insecure, both their cognitive performance and mental health decrease, which can have significant long-term health impacts, especially if food insecurity is their default state (1). The stress of trying to find food to feed oneself and one’s family frequently leads to maladaptive coping mechanisms, such as overeating, smoking, and drinking (2). It is possible that increased maladaptive behaviours can explain the association between food insecurity and increased levels of obesity, which is further exacerbated by the fact that nutritious foods such as fruits and vegetables are more expensive (3); obesity is associated with poor long-term health outcomes (4). It is important to add that poor diet quality is highly dependent on both the availability of healthful foods and the affordability of those foods (4). If the only affordable food in one’s neighbourhood is a fast food restaurant, it will have a direct impact on the diets of low income residents who cannot afford to travel elsewhere for food. 1:30 As we learned in the previous module, Colonization has had an enduring impact on First Nations peoples and communities. The sudden changes to traditional food systems and access spurred by famine, disease, and loss of culture (5,6,7) had devastating health impacts. This impact is still felt today in the significant food insecurity rates experienced by Indigenous peoples living on and off reserves (8,9). The impact of food insecurity is reflected in the high rates of nutrition-related chronic diseases, such as Type II Diabetes and obesity (10). 2:03 Food insecurity in First Nation communities is influenced by factors such as (7): The limited availability of affordable and quality store goods Reduced population sizes of cornerstone species such as caribou or salmon The economic inaccessibility of hunting equipment Distance and lack of transportation to larger supermarkets with greater variety Government restrictions to traditional harvesting and food sharing practices Loss of traditional knowledge regarding how to harvest and prepare foods Potentially unsafe traditional foods due to environmental contaminants Unstable access to grocery stores and unstable stocking of grocery stores And finally, increasingly unstable environments due to the impacts of climate change 3:01 Similar to Indigenous communities, many small towns and rural communities do not have access to larger grocery stores like Superstore or Costco. Small, family-owned stores can be significantly more expensive, which means low income, rural residents are at a significant risk of food insecurity and the associated impacts. The further a community is from an urban centre, the greater the percentage of low-income households (11). Additionally, rural residents are more likely to live with obesity and chronic conditions than urban counterparts (12), which may reflect the potential for high rates of food insecurity. 3:33 While these correlations are significant and suggest a higher rate of food insecurity, especially coupled with the fact that rural communities do not offer as many support services, there is limited research done on rural food insecurity in Alberta. We do not know the true picture of food insecurity in rural Alberta. As such, many of these gaps remain unfilled. 3:58 These individual health impacts have significant rippling effects into the community. Among poor mental health outcomes in food insecure households is a high rate of self-isolation (3), which means these households are not active members of their communities. Reduced cognitive performance (1) impacts both students and the workforce and may reduce the skills or educational attainment of those community members. Food insecurity is a complex problem, however, offering options for community participation around food can help alleviate some food insecurity, while promoting community participation. Collective kitchens are one way that food knowledge can be shared, costs can be lessened, and relationships can be built (13). Especially valuable to single mothers, community newcomers, and new cooks, these kitchens can also act as a stepping-stone to further community participation, making food security a tool to build a vibrant community (13). 4:55 In Alberta, St. Paul is a community that is showcasing how building a more vibrant community is inherently tied to food security, knowledge, and healthy options (14). Since 2003, this community has worked to improve their chronic disease rates by improving movement opportunities, cultivating a strong sense of community through art and revitalization, and improving community nutrition (14). Their efforts to improve community nutrition include offering healthful options, such as strawberry parfaits alongside cake and ice cream at community events (14). They’ve also worked to showcase local producers, and share knowledge about how different plants grow through their program Incredible Edible Barrels (14); community members are free to harvest herbs, vegetables, and fruits from these container gardens and the town even includes information on ways to use the different plants (14). Finally, they have taken their nutrition goals to the policy level by limiting how close a fast food restaurant can be to a school (14). As we know, the quality of the food that is closest to us can impact our health, and even this small step can significantly improve the nutrition of children and youth. 6:11 That concludes Module 4: Health Impacts of Food Disruption. Check out our references to learn more about this topic. Health Impacts of Food Disruptions 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/fsn3.2969 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 Back Next

Agriculture & Gardening Agriculture Prepare and adapt your operations for the projected impacts of climate change. Climate Change and Agriculture in Alberta Download Livestock and Extreme Heat Download Climate Change and Opportunities in Agriculture Download Climate-Smart Gardening Learn about the ingredients to grow a garden that's drought-tolerant and supports your local ecosystems. Growing Drought-Tolerant Gardens with Native Plants Download Reducing Flood Risk with Native Plants Download Invasive Plants and Noxious Weeds Download Guide to Ecoscaping Download

Adaptation Measures Air Quality and Wildfires Health Effects of Air Pollution How Can You Reduce Your Exposure to Air Pollution? Wildfires and Air Quality Extreme Cold and Winter Conditions Recommendations for Extreme Winter Conditions Frostbite and Hypothermia Severe Winter Weather Alerts in Alberta Vehicle Safety in Extreme Cold, Snowy and Icy Conditions Keep Your Home and Property Safe Windstorms Preparing Your Property for Windstorms Flooding Flood Safety Tips Extreme Heat Recommendations for Extreme Heat Are You Heat Vulnerable? Heat-Induced Medical Emergencies and How to Prevent Them Livestock and Extreme Heat Featured Resources Recommendations for Extreme Heat Download How Can You Reduce Your Exposure to Air Pollution? Download Flood Safety Tips Download

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. Next Home Transcription & Notes Coming soon... Indigenous People as Leaders in the Food Sovereignty Movement Transcription and Slides Transcript PDF Back Next

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. Climate Reports and Where to Find Them National Assessment: Canada in a Changing Climate: Advancing our Knowledge for Action Canada in a Changing Climate is the national assessment, conducted by Natural Resources Canada, of how and why the country’s climate is changing. Visit the assessment’s landing page to find all four reports of the assessment, as well as an advanced synthesis. Canada in a Changing Climate: Regional Perspectives Report (Government of Canada, 2022) Led by Natural Resources Canada, this report provides regional perspectives from Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia on how climate change is impacting communities, local environments and economies, and case studies for how communities can and are adapting. Alberta's Climate Future Final Report (Government of Alberta, 2019) This report summarizes observed climatic changes across Canada and Alberta. It briefly discusses the causes of climate change and the methodology for the detection and causal attribution of long-term trends and changes in the frequency or intensity of extreme events. The Costs of Climate Change: A Series of Five Reports (Canadian Climate Institute) This series of reports outlines dollar by dollar how proactive adaptation can reduce the severe and significant economic losses that a changing climate threatens. The reports quantify hidden costs in infrastructure damages, strain on public health and healthcare systems, and losses in various sectors. Building a Climate-Resilient City Rep ort Series (Prairie Climate Centre) ‘From risk to resilience’ is the Prairie Climate Centre’s slogan, and their series of reports, Building a Climate-Resilient City, is designed to support this transition, outlining steps that cities can take to engage in climate risk management from the areas of transportation, agriculture, electricity infrastructure, disaster preparedness and emergency management. Climate Atlas of Canad a and Climate Data Canada In addition to offering data visualizations and downloadable file sets, these organizations go the extra mile to maximize the impact of their data. They supplement the data with compelling stories and reports that effectively convey the insights and narratives the data is showing us. Canadian Climate Institute Find numerous blog posts and publications that demonstrate in detail the need for proactive adaptation action and are solutions-focused. National and Regional Climate Service Providers The Canadian Centre for Climate Services Part of Environment and Climate Change Canada in the Government of Canada. ClimateWest (Prairie region) Accurate, timely, and accessible data is critical for making informed decisions. Drawing on the guidance of its three founding partner organizations (Prairie Climate Centre, the International Institute for Sustainable Development, and the Prairies Regional Adaptation Collaborative), ClimateWest understands the Prairies need tailored climate solutions. CLIMAtlantic (Atlantic region) CLIMAtlantic facilitates access to data and information that supports adaptation to climate change in Atlantic Canada through collaboration, networking, and partnerships. Pacific Climate Impacts Consortium (Pacific and Yukon region) PCIC is a regional climate service centre at the University of Victoria that provides practical information on the physical impacts of climate variability and change in the Pacific and Yukon regions of Canada. Ouranos (Québec) Ouranos is a collaborative innovation hub enabling Quebec society to better adapt to an evolving climate. Prairies Adaptation Res earch Collaborative The Prairies Adaptation Research Collaborative works to increase the capacity of the Canadian Prairies to prepare for the impacts of climate change. The Prairie Climate Centre The Centre brings an evidence-based perspective to communicating the science, impacts, and risks of climate change through maps, documentary video, research reports, and plain-language training, writing, and outreach. Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources By incorporating Western and Indigenous Knowledge, CIER has created a set of unique resources designed to empower First Nations communities to take climate action. The organization offers publications, workshops, and resources for capacity-building and action-taking. Legislation Climate Change Legislation in Alberta Climate change acts and regulations, including renewable standards and specified reporting. Environmental Law Centre - Climate Change and the Law The Environmental Law Centre (ELC) encourages all Albertans to consider how governments, industry, communities and individuals can assist with adapting to climate change. Training Adaptation Resilience Training Program - Open Access Webinars The Adaptation Resilience Training (ART) program has developed an Alberta-focused set of introductory sessions for core climate change topics and climate change as it relates to certain areas of professional practice. The intent of this program is to help professionals working in Alberta develop a basic awareness of climate change adaptation and build capacity to integrate adaptation into their professional practice. Think Re silience Think Resilience is an online course to help you start doing something about climate change and our other sustainability challenges—starting in your own community. Guide: Municipal climate change staff This guide, created by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, is designed to support climate professionals in their first year working in related positions in a municipality. Municipal Tools All One Sky Foundation AOS plans, researches and collaborates with communities to identify priority areas for adaptation and offers equitable solutions. The organization offers capacity-building and educational sessions for governments, businesses and other organizations. Ada ptaction.ca A printable, linked resource to help you track your progress on implementing climate resilience strategies. ICLEI Canada ICLEI Canada works with a wide variety of stakeholders from across government, industry, academia and the NGO community to build more sustainable, low-carbon, energy-efficient, climate-ready communities. Municipal Climate Change Action Centre The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre is a partnership of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. The Centre offers one-on-one advisory services, as well as webinars, workshops, and other support to help municipalities reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Federation of Canadian Municipalities The national voice for Canada's local governments. Municipal Climate Action Hub A community of practice supporting municipalities for climate innovation. 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 Mental Health Network Grants • Alberta-Based • Community Projects • Capacity Building The Rural Mental Health Network and its associated Rural Mental Health Project is designed to facilitate connections, engagement, and collaboration among rural communities in Alberta regarding mental health and wellbeing. This initiative enhances their ability to address mental health issues, manage challenges, and foster community resilience. The project, managed by the Alberta Division of the Canadian Mental Health Association, offers grant funding opportunities to communities and individuals. These grants, available in the forms of micro-grants, community grants, and multi-community grants, support the implementation of projects ranging from small-scale to highly complex. By supporting communities, the initiative enables them to identify their specific needs, devise local solutions, and strengthen their capacities. Visit Website Contact 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 Centre for Indigenous Environmental Resources Indigenous Knowledge • Community Projects • Capacity Building • Resources • Advisory Services • Program Offerings CIER collaborates with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit Councils and communities, municipal and federal governments, foundations, non-government organizations, and universities to develop environmental capacity within Indigenous communities. Their primary focus is on working closely with these communities, providing education, conducting research, and developing skills to address local challenges. CIER engages in a reciprocal learning process with Indigenous communities, offering resources and facilitating connections to support their goals. T heir comprehensive support includes project management and coordination, community, youth, and elder engagement, non-Indigenous stakeholder engagement and partnership building, Indigenous knowledge, mapping, and language studies, community-based monitoring, workshop facilitation, strategic advising for strengthening Indigenous governance, research services, and fund development and funder relations. Visit Website Contact ALUS Canada Agriculture • Ecological Services • Community Projects • Partnership ALUS Canada is dedicated to supporting the implementation of environmental stewardship projects nationwide. Currently, the organization has established a network of over 1,600 farmers and ranchers in 38 communities. Together, locals collaborate on initiatives aimed at ecological restoration and protection, specifically targeting ecosystem services that help mitigate climate change. ALUS coordinators achieve this by partnering with farmers and ranchers to implement various alternative land-use projects. These projects focus on restoring wetlands, reforesting areas, and enhancing pollinator habitats. The result is an improved production capacity of the land, benefiting both the environment and the producers. Visit Website Contact QUESTCanada Energy • Consulting Services • Events • Membership • Community Projects 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. There are many ways to get involved with QUEST Canada, from attending events, becoming a municipal member, or by becoming a client and taking advantage of their range of services—Energy Mapping Workshops, Community Energy Planning Support, Custom Services, and Resilience Workshops. Visit Website Contact Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities Alberta-Based • Partnership • Community Projects • Research Support • Resources and Data The Alberta Centre for Sustainable Rural Communities (ACSRC) plays a crucial role in supporting rural Alberta communities by helping to address various challenges and enhance their resilience. Their approach involves facilitating constructive dialogue, promoting interdisciplinary and collaborative research, and developing partnerships. ACSRC's mission is to connect the research, outreach, and educational capabilities of the University of Alberta with students, researchers, rural communities, community organizations, and policymakers at different levels. This collaboration aims to improve the sustainability of rural communities and populations, both within the province and beyond. ACSRC is actively engaged in a range of ongoing projects, offering continuous opportunities for involvement and participation. Visit Website Contact Rural Routes to Climate Solutions Community Projects • Alberta-Based • Agriculture • Events • Resources RR2CS serves as a platform for sharing information and success stories regarding innovation in agriculture. The team empowers agricultural producers to adapt their farm practices to address the challenges posed by changing climate conditions while promoting lower-emissions and ecologically sustainable farming methods. The organization hosts a variety of events such as workshops, webinars, and farm field days that facilitate knowledge exchange among rural Albertans and producers. Additionally, they offer informative resources including a podcast and Farmer's Blog. These events and resources are largely accessible free of charge, and cover topics such as: soil carbon sequestration, transitioning to on-farm solar and community-owned renewable energy, food security, biodiversity, regenerative agriculture practices, intercropping, cover cropping, and perennial grains. Visit Website Contact Alberta Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils Ecological Services • Alberta-Based • Partnerships • Program Offerings These independent, non-profit organizations report on watershed health, produce valuable tools and facilitate collaborative planning, education, and stewardship. Find a Council Beaver Hills Biosphere Ecological Services • Alberta-Based • Partnerships • Resources and Data The Beaver Hills Biosphere is a vibrant nature and cultural hub located east of Edmonton. Designated by UNESCO as a biodiverse and culturally significant site in 2016, the region is actively preserved and enhanced by the dedicated efforts of the Beaver Hills Biosphere Reserve Association. The mission of the Beaverhills Initiative is to foster a sustainable region through cooperative initiatives and collaborative actions. The team focuses on several key areas, including providing data for informed decision-making, supporting applied research, promoting local Indigenous stories and history, and identifying opportunities for sustainable tourism. By working together with key stakeholders in the region, they strive to ensure the continued growth and sustainability of this invaluable landscape. Visit Website Contact Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute Ecological Services • Albert a-Based • Resources and Data The Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute (ABMI) is an organization that tracks and monitors changes in wildlife and habitats throughout Alberta, spanning across the province. Their primary objective is to provide ongoing, scientifically credible information on Alberta's living resources to support land use decision-makers, future land stewards, and the well-being of all Albertans. Notable resources developed by ABMI include the Wetland Atlas of Alberta and the Status of Land Cover & Biodiversity in the Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. Forest Management Agreement Area. Visit Website Contact SevGen Consulting Indigenous Knowledge • Advisory Services • Community Projects • Training SevGen offers services to Indigenous communities, governments, corporations and entrepreneurs. 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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