Anthony Dreaver Johnston

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Living lab inspiring next generation of Indigenous agricultural producers

Living labs operate in real-life settings, bringing together farmers, scientists and others to develop and test innovative practices and technologies that address agri-environmental issues. The Bridge to Land Water Sky living lab project is the first Indigenous-led living lab in Canada, led by the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak in Saskatchewan in collaboration with the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation NGO, institutional and government partners. The “bridge” refers to relationship building – both with people, and with land, water and sky. Anthony Blair Dreaver Johnston is a member of the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak, and acts as a special advisor for his Nation. He said that the living lab’s goal is to inspire a more resilient agriculture industry and the next wave of Indigenous agricultural producers who can learn to be farmers as their grandfathers once were. Johnston explained, “My ancestors were buffalo people, people of the plains. But they knew that they needed to find a new way to provide for the people because buffalo were going extinct. Agriculture was a new way to provide. Our ancestors became very successful farmers who had intimate relationships with land, with water, and with sky. I grew up knowing that both my grandfathers were good farmers.” Unfortunately, said Johnston, “That wasn’t sustained. We’re no longer farmers. We are no longer producers. We’ve lost a lot of our land.” The project involves training, education and engagement with youth; inspiring them to become a future farmer, a combine driver, a greenhouse grower – anything to do with agriculture. Said Johnston, “We know that all of our members won’t want to do the same thing. One size won’t fit all. It’s about looking at food sovereignty for our people and our nation. We want those opportunities for our young people, and we want to combine the values of our ancestors with the ways of the 21st century.” To learn more visit: www.BridgetoLandWaterSky