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The Packsack Project
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.
By sharing real-life stories, experiences, and examples, we hope you will learn that building resilience may require a change in perspective, attitude, partnerships, and alliances along the way.
Be the change you want to see in your own community.
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The Packsack Project is a collaborative podcast between the Rural Agri-Innovation Network (RAIN) and NORDIK Institute, sharing real life stories and experiences of Northern Ontario's resilience.
Episodes
15 episodes
From Thunder Bay to Tokyo: A Journey in Tea Innovation
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 Jap...
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30:36
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Seeding Resilience: A Conversation on Land-Based Life Promotion and Food Sovereignty
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 commun...
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31:44
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Bridging Distances: Technology and Veterinary Services in Northern Ontario
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 ...
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39:05
The Digital Vet Revolution: Exploring VetsON's Potential in Northern Ontario
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 D...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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20:07
A Rising Raven: Unwrapping Success with Chef Tammy Maki
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-insp...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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27:42
Innovative solutions to the Sault's housing crisis
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 crea...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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24:00
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Exploring affordable housing solutions in Monterey Gardens
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
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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32:34
Navigating Northern Indigenous Food Systems
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 th...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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29:10
A drought and its impact on Rainy River
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 Agricultura...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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27:43
Healing through a Kombucha Start-up in Timmins
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...
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18:35
Steeped in tradition, but not bound by it.
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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28:00
Innovations in Northern Health Education
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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26:11
The Crane and its Impact on Culture & Crops Pt 2
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 ha...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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25:08
The Crane and its Impact on Culture & Crops
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 an...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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30:38
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Put on your Packsack – An Introduction
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 cultur...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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23:58
