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.

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. 👇🔔

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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.

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.

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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.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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!

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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.