Community Engagement and Business Programs at NABI
Building Food Systems Solutions: A Journey with the Prairie Food Systems Vision Network
As someone deeply connected to the community and passionate about creating meaningful change, I was excited to have the opportunity to work with the Prairie Food Systems Vision Network (PFSVN). This journey was more than just a project, it was about fostering relationships, empowering local voices, and co-creating solutions to build resilient food systems.
The first step in this adventure was immersing our team in the PFSVN’s vision, objectives, and prior activities. Exploring the Game Changers Project, and having ongoing discussions with PFSVN representatives. Early on, it became clear that the scope of the work required additional capacity. That’s when Megan joined the team, bringing her skills and energy to complement our efforts. Together, we set out to expand the network and spark meaningful connections.
Expanding the Network: Building Bridges
As a relatively new organization, it was critical for connections to be made early on in the communities that PFSVN wanted to work in. Expanding the PFSVN network meant reaching out to diverse individuals and organizations, especially in Alberta. This involved over 150 touchpoints, with a significant focus on engaging Indigenous communities. For us, this was more than just outreach—it was about building genuine relationships. Conversations often extended beyond the work itself, touching on shared hopes and dreams for sustainable food systems.
Co-Creating Local Solutions: The Lac La Biche Pilot
The first pilot project for a location solutions hub took place in in Lac La Biche in partnership with Community Learning and Stone Soup Food Centre. As someone who grew up in the community, I understood its dynamics and key players. Our team knew that relationship-building had to come first—especially when working with multiple organizations and cultural backgrounds. This meant countless conversations with community champions before any formal work began.
Through the early stages of the project we engaged with Pieter De Vos and Kim Ghostkeeper, both skilled facilitators, to assist in facilitating the initial sessions of the project. Together, we introduced Pieter and Kim to key community members, who shaped the direction of the project. With their input, we co-created food projects that reflected local needs and aspirations.
The results were profound. Organizations that had never collaborated—and in some cases had adversarial relationships—came together to work on shared goals. Indigenous community members took leadership roles, and the projects, designed and driven by the community, began to take shape. It was a testament to the power of grassroots collaboration.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Working on this project reinforced some key insights:
Trust Takes Time: Building trust doesn’t happen overnight. It requires ongoing effort and authentic engagement.
Community Capacity Matters: Rural communities often have limited capacity, so external partners must provide support without overwhelming local resources.
Simplify Processes: Administrative burdens, especially duplicative forms, can erode trust and hinder progress.
Empower Local Voices: Allowing participants to define projects aligned with funding objectives led to stronger, more impactful outcomes.
Cultural Sensitivity is Key: Recognizing and respecting Indigenous ways of working—such as valuing verbal agreements over paperwork—builds deeper trust.
Regional Pilot: Scaling Up the Vision
Beyond Lac La Biche, PFSVN expanded their focus to a regional scale, engaging PFSVN network members and funding applicants through six virtual Food Sovereignty Conversations. These sessions brought together diverse voices to discuss infrastructure, technical support, and next steps. Each gathering saw increased participation, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for this work.
Zoom meetings were a great starting point, but participants expressed a strong desire to move from conversation to action. As PFSVN grows, focusing on piloting solutions, empowering communities to take ownership, and creating spaces for shared learning are critical.
Final Reflections: Moving Forward Together
Working with PFSVN was a privilege. This network’s transformative approach to addressing agricultural challenges is vital for the prairies—and beyond.
By engaging local champions, reducing barriers, and fostering community-driven solutions, PFSVN can amplify its impact. Creating networks where communities collaborate to solve shared challenges will be key to achieving lasting change.
As for our team, this experience reaffirmed the power of relationships, the importance of listening, and the incredible potential within our communities. Together, we can transform our food systems—one conversation, one connection, and one project at a time.