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. 👇🔔

_

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.