When We Look After the Land, It Looks After Us | S1 Ep. 5

Bridging Relations Podcast

Join a powerful conversation with Harry Lafond, a respected elder from Muskeg Lake Cree Nation, as he shares the profound Cree worldview of Wâhkôhtowin—building relationships with all living things—and contrasts it with modern agricultural practices that threaten traditional food sources and ecosystems. Reflecting on cultural losses like vanished berry bushes and ecological damage, Harry offers hope through community-driven initiatives including Muskeg Lake’s food forest and the Bridge to Land Water Sky Living Lab. This dialogue bridges Indigenous knowledge and modern science, fostering collaboration and sustainable farming practices that nurture the land for generations to come.

The Bridge to Land Water Sky living lab is part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s nationwide network of living labs, under the Agricultural Climate Solutions – Living Labs program. Each living lab brings together farmers, scientists and other partners to develop and improve on-farm solutions that will help store carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address other environmental issues – such as soil health, water quality and biodiversity.
Hosted by: Michelle Brass
Produced by: Maddie Gould

Chapters

1. Introduction to Bridging Relations (00:00:00)

2. Meeting Harry Lafond (00:00:34)

3. Growing Concerns About Farming Practices (00:04:42)

4. Wahkohtuin: The Cree Relational Worldview (00:07:43)

5. Finding Common Ground with Farmers (00:13:43)

6. Community Food Initiatives (00:17:44)

7. Building Bridges with Neighbors (00:22:04)

8. Closing Thoughts (00:42:20)