Last month, JEDI hosted a 5-part webinar series on Agri-Food & Agriculture. Week 4’s recap is an overview of the the Indigenous Pathfinder Service, Indigenous Food Programs, Indigenous Student Recruitment in STEM, and Indigenous Services Canada. All of these are programs and services provided by the Federal Government of Canada.

OUR SPEAKERS INCLUDED:

Ben Zammit-Maempel, who is Inuk-Maltese, works at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) as a new Pathfinder with the Indigenous Pathfinders Services (IPS). He joined IPS after working for the department as a research assistant based in Kentville, Nova Scotia on research projects including containerized hydroponic food production, as well as winemaking.

Throughout Ben’s presentation he discussed:

Indigenous Participation in Agriculture and Food Systems Initiative
What the Indigenous Pathfinder Services Does
Local Food Infrastructure Fund
Business Risk Management Programs
Listen to Ben’s full presentation at 11:10 to hear him discuss AAFC Indigenous Programs and Services!

Patricia Ouellette is the Deputy Director of the Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) Atlantic Regional Office. Her team works with companies, producers, processors and provincial organizations to promote AAFC’s programs and services. Prior to joining AAFC, she worked for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for over 10 years, taught the Biotechnology program at NBCC for 5 years and worked at the Research and Productivity Council for 4 years.

Throughout Patricia’s presentation she discussed:

Market and Industry Services Branch
Regional Operations
Listen to Patricia’s full presentation at 23:40 to hear her discuss the remainder of the AAFC Indigenous Programs and Services presentation!

Josée Owen is the Associate Director of Agriculture Canada’s Fredericton Research and Development Centre. She spent many years leading a science program on sustainable vegetable cropping systems for Atlantic Canada. Josée is passionate about science that supports real life solutions to food security needs and environmental health in agricultural landscapes.

Throughout Josée’s presentation she discussed:

Why Indigenous Peoples are underrepresented in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics)
Objectives of the Indigenous Student Recruitment Vision
Opportunities for Indigenous Students
Listen to Josée’s full presentation at 30:17 to hear her discuss the Indigenous Student Recruitment Vision!

William Green is a Regional Program Development Advisor in the Intergovernmental Relations and Partnerships team with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). His professional experience includes more than 15 years working for Provincial and Federal government in science, risk management and planning.

Throughout William’s presentation he discussed:

Indigenous Services Canada
ISC Mandate and Strategic Plan 2020-25
Listen to William’s full presentation at 46:32 to listen to him talk about the ISC Support for Indigenous Food and Agriculture!

Emily MacDonald has been with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) First Nations Inuit Health Branch for 3 years. She is currently the Acting Community Nutrition Advisor in the region, her substantive role is Senior Program Officer – Healthy Communities. Prior to joining FNIHB, She worked with the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) as a Public Health Nutritionist, supporting the interpretation and implementation of the Food and Nutrition Policy for Nova Scotia Public Schools.

Throughout Emily’s presentation she discussed:

First Nations food nutrition & environmental study
The conceptional model for promoting food security in First Nations and Inuit communities
How First Nations communities promote food security
Listen to Emily’s full presentation at 52:45 to listen to her talk about the remainder of the ISC Support for Indigenous Food and Agriculture presentation!

To watch the full webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUtdH61CjHA

If you missed the other recaps, you can find them here:

Agri-Food & Agriculture Webinar Series Recap Week 1

Agri-food & Agriculture Webinar Series Recap Week 2

Agri-food & Agriculture Webinar Series Recap Week 3

Stay tuned for our last blog post in this 5-part Webinar Series!