The Packsack Project

From Thunder Bay to Tokyo: A Journey in Tea Innovation

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:00:00 -0500

In this inspiring episode of The Packsack Project, join us as we chat with Denise Atkinson, the pioneering Ojibwe entrepreneur behind Thunder Bay's Tea Horse. Denise delves into her innovative fusion of traditional manoomin (wild rice) with Japanese Hojicha / green teas, creating a unique loose-leaf blend that’s capturing the attention of tea enthusiasts across North America. Hear about her entrepreneurial journey, the e-commerce strategies propelling her brand, and her remarkable collaboration with DAVID'sTEA, placing Tea Horse at the forefront of Indigenous tea craft in Canada.

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The Packsack Project is a collaborative podcast from the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre's Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) and NORDIK Institute, sharing real life stories and experiences of Northern Ontario's resilience.

Seeding Resilience: A Conversation on Land-Based Life Promotion and Food Sovereignty

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0400

Join NORDIK's Amy Boyer in this eye-opening episode with Charlene Mandamin, Ontario Works Administrator at Shoal Lake #39 Independent First Nation. Dive into Charlene’s transformative work on food sovereignty and mental well-being in her community. From seasonal calendars that guide traditional activities to innovative food products like wild rice bars, explore how Charlene’s initiatives offer a culturally-rooted, adaptive, and holistic approach to life promotion.

👉 Episode Highlights:

Discover how Charlene is addressing a gap in services for young adults aged 16-to-29 through land-based programs.
Explore the seasonal calendar that guides life-promoting activities like ice fishing and berry harvesting.
Learn about the school-based greenhouse initiative that serves multiple community needs, from education to sustenance.
Take a closer look at unique community food products, including their journey from concept to market.
Hear Charlene's advice for long-term planning and the importance of identifying supporting partners.

Subscribe to the Packsack Project for more stories and insights into the resilience and innovation found in Northern Ontario's rural and Indigenous communities. 👇🔔

Bridging Distances: Technology and Veterinary Services in Northern Ontario

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 10:00:00 -0400

This episode takes a close look at large animal veterinary services in Northern Ontario, featuring insights from dairy farmer Charles Regele and veterinarian Keith Good. Charles discusses the real-world challenges faced by farmers, the role of local support networks, and the potential of digital applications like VetsON. Keith offers a professional's perspective on practicing veterinary medicine in the North, exploring unique challenges, potential legislative changes, and the influence of technology on future practices. Together, their conversations shine a light on the complex and evolving landscape of rural veterinary care, providing valuable insights for farmers, veterinarians, and anyone interested in large animal health in this unique region.

The Digital Vet Revolution: Exploring VetsON's Potential in Northern Ontario

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Packsack Project, we're joined by Dr. Colin Yates, the CEO of VetsON, an innovative application revolutionizing the delivery of veterinary services. We delve into the intersection of technology and animal healthcare, as Dr. Yates shares his vision for overcoming the challenges faced by large animal vets in Northern Ontario's rural communities. From addressing the shortage of large animal vets to the role of AI, this episode offers a compelling look into the future of veterinary services. Tune in to understand how VetsON is navigating the complexities of rural veterinary practice, overcoming weak phone cell capabilities, and potentially disrupting traditional veterinary practice. As we explore the benefits, concerns, and real-life impacts of VetsON, get ready for a thought-provoking conversation on the transformative power of technology in animal healthcare

A Rising Raven: Unwrapping Success with Chef Tammy Maki

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Join us on this flavourful journey in the latest episode of the Packsack Project, as we delve into the inspiring story of Chef Tammy Maki, the creative force behind Raven Rising, an e-commerce chocolate shop shipping delightful, Indigenous-inspired creations across Canada. Raised in a Finnish family and a survivor of the 60's Scoop, Tammy's story is one of resilience, innovation, and the journey to reclaim and explore her Indigenous identity. Discover how this proud 'Finndigenous' chef, having worked in some of Canada's best restaurants, resorts, hotels, and bakeries, has brilliantly fused her culinary expertise with traditional Indigenous ingredients. Learn about the organisations and alliances that played a key role in her entrepreneurial journey and the unique flavour profiles that tell the story of her roots. Let this episode inspire you to carve your path, embrace your culture, and be the change in your own community.

Innovative solutions to the Sault's housing crisis

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0400

The housing crisis poses a significant challenge to Northern communities, who have been dealing with this challenge prior to COVID.

In the second episode of a three-part series looking at housing in Northern Ontario, we explore the creative ways communities are responding to new and chronic challenges in Sault Ste. Marie.

We get a sense of some of the more recent challenges, and also some of the innovative solutions that have been developed recently by organizations involved in housing.

We speak with Luke Dufour, Councillor for Ward 2 in Sault Ste. Marie and Chair of the District Social Service Administration Board (DSSAB), who also works in the construction industry. We also met with Mike Nadeau, CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie DSSAB, has been innovative in response to a growing need.

Exploring affordable housing solutions in Monterey Gardens

Wed, 17 Aug 2022 15:00:00 -0400

Communities across Ontario are urgently looking for affordable housing solutions, and are looking to Provincial and Federal governments for responding to the housing crunch. In this episode, Dr. Sean Meades shares the history of Monterey Gardens, a Sault Ste. Marie neighborhood that was built after World War 2 for returning veterans and their families. Wartime Housing Limited (now Canada Mortgage & Housing Corp) led the initiative to meet Canada's housing needs, and a local factory built standardized and inexpensive prefabricated materials for home construction. Monterey Gardens is one of six neighborhoods across Sault Ste. Marie that were recently designated "Locally Significant Areas" in the City's new official plan. In this Episode Peter Tonazzo (Senior Planner with the City of Sault Ste. Marie), Amy Boyer (Communications Manager for NORDIK Institute), and Jami Van Haaften (Chair of the Municipal Heritage Committee) take a walk through Monterey Gardens.

Navigating Northern Indigenous Food Systems

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Today we get to know Arlene Meekis-Jung, Indigenous Relations Coordinator with the Local Food & Farm Co-operative. Arlene is an Anishinaabe-kwe from northwestern Ontario who has lived across the north. Her passion for affordable foods in the north has come from both personal experience and seeing the struggles of others. Living in a remote reservation, she quickly learned that cooking from ingredients was simpler than trying to figure out what she would want to eat for what could be months at a time without the ability to grocery shop. In 2013, she was given the great honour of being chosen as the Nishnawbe Aski Nation Adult Food Champion. Arlene’s journey has allowed her to learn many different types of cooking from around the globe with our traditional foods. However, she loves simple, country foods as well. Ask her for the recipe for Moose Vindaloo and Thai Walleye Soup!

A drought and its impact on Rainy River

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of the Packsack Project, we’re speaking with Kim Jo Bliss and Timo Brielmann, both farmers from the Rainy River area of Northwestern Ontario. Kim Jo is a beef farmer who also works as a Research Technician at the Emo Agricultural Research Station and Timo, owner of Brielmann Agriculture, farms 8300 acres in the Rainy River region. Last season a combination of late frost, drought, and insect pest problems took a toll on the farmers of Rainy River. Our guests discuss how these conditions impacted them and their operations while outlining some of the ways their community had to adapt to such difficult circumstances. Farmers are expecting to feel the impacts of the drought for years to come and tell us about the ways they’ve already started planning to make their farms more resilient in the face of these challenges.

Healing through a Kombucha Start-up in Timmins

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode we hear from Jessica West, founder of Trésor Kombucha, about her journey of starting and expanding her kombucha business in Timmins. Jess details her experiences of suffering a traumatic brain injury, seeing the benefits of drinking kombucha throughout her recovery process, and how this helped her uncover the holistic relationship between gut and brain health. We’ll hear about how brewing her own kombucha expanded into the business she runs today despite bumps in the road caused by COVID restrictions, and how she’s used it as an opportunity to support other survivors and bring awareness to the impacts of brain injury. With the help of Link North’s business development workshops and a supportive northern community, Jess has since grown her operation to supply a number of local retailers and restaurants and has hopes of continuing to expand.

Steeped in tradition, but not bound by it.

Thu, 26 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Gerry Brandon is a world-renowned chef and innovator from Dokis First Nation, passionate about people and Northern Ontario. After a successful career in finance, Gerry pursued becoming a chef at the Stratford Chefs School, which led to opening many restaurants and extensive travel. Gerry recently opened L'Autochtone Taverne Américaine and has breathed new life into a retailer called Busters Mini-Mart in Haileybury (Temiskaming Shores). At L'Autochtone Gerry and his staff fuse dishes with First Nation, French and English influences from scratch. We speak with Gerry about the changes he is driving in this small community and the mindset shift that Northern communities need to thrive.

Innovations in Northern Health Education

Thu, 12 May 2022 06:00:00 -0400

In today's episode, we speak with Dr Catherine Cervin, Vice Dean Academic at NOSM University (formerly the Northern Ontario School of Medicine) about innovations in health education for Northern Ontario. The NOSM University has an amazing track record of developing a culturally responsive healthcare system within Northern Ontario. We cover a number of topics including Dr Cervin's approach to the practice of family medicine in the North and how NOSM University is responding to doctor shortages that communities are facing. Since recording this episode it was announced that NOSM became the first Independent Medical University in Canada!

The Crane and its Impact on Culture & Crops Pt 2

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Continuing our exploration of Sandhill Cranes in northern Ontario we speak with those on the ground seeking ways to adapt and mitigate the damage to crops. We speak with Justin Gaudet (Valley Growers) as he describes the different methods he has been using to curtail the damage to his potato crops. We also speak with Christopher Sharp about a new biological control product called Avipel that farmers are interested in adopting through research and experience from the United States. Finally, we continue our conversation with Chief Dean Sayers who shares the significant cultural role Cranes continue to have for Indigenous peoples. Join us as we get a better understanding of the crane's larger impact on the region and the people who call it home.

The Crane and its Impact on Culture & Crops

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 08:00:00 -0400

Over the next two episodes we're looking at the impact that Sandhill cranes are having on agriculture, and the important cultural role they've had for Indigenous peoples. We will hear about the perspectives on the impact that cranes have had and are currently having.

Who we spoke to:
- Chief Dean Sayers, Batchewana First Nation
- Christopher Sharp, Population Management Biologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service
- Justin Gaudet, Owner of Valley Growers

Through this dialogue, we'll explore the strategies that researchers and farmers have come up with to mitigate their impacts on the agricultural sector. Along the way, we'll get a better understanding of the crane's larger impact on the region and the people who call it home.

Put on your Packsack – An Introduction

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 08:00:00 -0400

The Packsack Project is an exploration of resilient rural and Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario. We will hear from people, businesses, and organizations who are adapting to change in ways that is reflective of Northern Ontario’s culture and geography.

In this Introduction we’ll hear from the Packsack Project’s creators, Dr. Sean Meades and David Thompson along with host Dr. Gayle Broad.

Dr. Sean Meades is the Research Director of NORDIK Institute, an innovative community-based research hub affiliated with Algoma University dedicated to building healthy, resilient communities.

David Thompson is the Manager of the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN), a catalyst of agri-food innovation that is an initiative of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre with a mandate for building a resilient agri-food sector in Algoma.

In this episode we share how the Packsack Project got started, where it’s going, and how you can be involved.