2025 Yukon Food Security Conference: Diversifying Food Systems
August 12-14th 2025
The Yukon Food Security Network is hosting Diversifying Food Systems; a conference exploring food sovereignty in the Yukon with a rural and youth focus. The gathering will take place on
Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Farm
with a day trip to
Ihdzi 'the heart' in Mayo
Conference Itinerary
Speakers and Panelists
Film Screening: First We Eat
Suzanne Crocker, Filmmaker
Suzanne Crocker is an award-winning filmmaker living in Dawson City, Yukon whose films have received national and international acclaim. Her work includes two feature documentaries and 12 shorts.Suzanne’s first feature documentary, All The Time In The World, won 22 festival awards from around the world, was nominated for Best Film of the Decade by the International Green Film Network and has been translated into 12 languages. Her second feature documentary, First We Eat, also screened around the world, winning 11 festival awards and qualified for Best Documentary at the 2021 Academy Awards.Suzanne switched careers from rural family doctor to filmmaker in 2008. You can find her other films at driftproductions.ca
Since 2004, Dawn has consistently organized time and space for transformational learning in food systems networks that have been foundational for generating a body of research to support decolonizing and Indigenizing food systems in networks where she has become internationally recognized as a published author on the topic. Dawn has developed an Indigenous Third Eye Seeing (ITES) Methodology to guide the process of creating ethical spaces of engagement in land and food systems networks, where Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty meets, coloniality, climate change, and the corporate control of the food system.
Some of the projects Dawn is leading include: “From the Ground Up” Toolkit for Indigenous Food Sovereignty - Train the Trainers, Wild Salmon Caravan, Cwelcwelt Kuc “We are Well” Garden, and research projects: Mapping out and Advocating for the Establishment of Indigenous Foodland Conservation Areas, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Community Wellbeing Amidst a Pandemic.
Indigenous Food Sovereignty
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Dawn Morrison, Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty
Dawn is of Secwepemc ancestry and is the Founder/Director/Curator of Research and Relationships for the Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty. Since 1983, Dawn has worked in and studied horticulture, ethno-botany, adult education, and restoration of natural systems. After teaching Aboriginal Adult Basic Education, Dawn has been dedicated to land-based healing and learning, which led to her life's work as a spirit-aligned leader in the Indigenous food sovereignty movement. Since 2004, Dawn has been committed to food systems learning that has been foundational in generating a body of research to support decolonizing and Indigenizing food systems. She has developed an Indigenous Third Eye Seeing (ITES) Methodology to guide the process of creating ethical spaces of engagement in land and food systems networks, where Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty meets coloniality, climate change, and the corporate control of the food system.
Roberta Joseph, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in
Miss Roberta Joseph is a life long Yukoner and member of the Tr’ondek Hwech’in Nation here in Dawson City. Miss Joseph has committed 15 years to Tr'ondeck Hwech'in leadership, serving three terms from 2014-2023 as Chief. Roberta has dedicated nearly 33 years working for First Nations. More recently, Roberta has been enjoying some time off and focusing only on several diverse boards and committees. Roberta has also been dedicating time towards sharing her traditional knowledge about the land and environmental projects.Miss Joseph is committed to advocating for the protection of inherent and treaty rights, climate change, and building a positive healthy and economic sustainable community. Together Today for our Children Tomorrow is a strong statement from our past leaders.
Diane E. Koe, Tet’lit Gwich’in Council President
Diane is Tet’lit Gwich’in from Tet’lit Zheh, born and raised in Fort McPherson, NT. She is the President of the Tet’lit Gwich’in Council-DGO as of December 2024 and on the Board of Directors of the Gwich’in Tribal Council. In 2021, she was the Laureate of the Arctic Inspiration Prize and established Fish Camp at Happy’s Landing.
Diane is a proud mother of five girls and a loving grandmother to 8 grandchildren. Her parents are the late Thomas and Eileen Koe, and she has 5 siblings with many nieces and nephews.
Lee Rannells (she/her), Council of Yukon First Nations
Lee is the Manager of Survey Initiatives with the Council of Yukon First Nations and manages the implementation of the First Nations Regional Health Survey in the Yukon. Lee holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Dalhousie University and a Master of Science in Public Health from McGill University. Previously, Lee has worked in the government, non-profit, and academic sectors, focusing on increasing organizational data capacity and appreciation within health and social services. She currently lives in Whitehorse, on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council.
Charly Charlie, First Nation School Board
Charyl’s life work is to promote Gwich’in language and culture among her people. Growing up in Fort McPherson, she attended high school in Inuvik and Whitehorse, and post-secondary at Yukon College, NAIT and Red Deer College. She later moved to Old Crow to raise her family in a traditional Gwich’in way. She served many years in the community as both the Education Director for Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation and as an Educational Assistant and Education Support Worker at Chief Zzeh Gittlit School. She has also been a member of the Teechik Dancers, performing Gwich’in dances at various venues.
As the Land and Language Connector for the First Nation School Board, Charyl continues to connect with Elders and Knowledge Holders to support language revitalization and share traditional knowledge and culture.
Food Security in Canada:
A National perspective & the North
Since 2004, Dawn has consistently organized time and space for transformational learning in food systems networks that have been foundational for generating a body of research to support decolonizing and Indigenizing food systems in networks where she has become internationally recognized as a published author on the topic. Dawn has developed an Indigenous Third Eye Seeing (ITES) Methodology to guide the process of creating ethical spaces of engagement in land and food systems networks, where Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty meets, coloniality, climate change, and the corporate control of the food system.
Some of the projects Dawn is leading include: “From the Ground Up” Toolkit for Indigenous Food Sovereignty - Train the Trainers, Wild Salmon Caravan, Cwelcwelt Kuc “We are Well” Garden, and research projects: Mapping out and Advocating for the Establishment of Indigenous Foodland Conservation Areas, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Community Wellbeing Amidst a Pandemic.
Michelle Watson, Yukon Food Security Network
Michelle is the Coordinator at the Yukon Food Security Network. She is passionate about local food systems and food sovereignty. "Bringing together people who want to create real change in their communities and seeing the impact of this is incredible. I believe that each of us has part of the solution to ending food insecurity and that through collaboration and cooperation we can ensure that everyone finally is able to realize the right to food.”
Marissa Alexander (she/they), Food Secure Canada
Marissa is a registered dietitian and Co-Executive Director of Food Secure Canada, who is passionate about anti-racism, food security, and equity. Living and working on the traditional and unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, she has had the honour of working alongside 55 First Nations communities in northern BC. She is also privileged to be able to connect with many different peoples and communities through her anti-racism consulting work. In her very little spare time, she is working on her Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on equity and cultural studies. As someone who is thankful to be a part of many, often oppressed, communities she is always looking for opportunities to elevate voices and lived experiences. When she is not focused on social justice work, she likes to spend time with family, friends, and her dogs. You can often find her crafting or creating, and she tries to include humour in her work as much as possible.
Kirstin Beardsley, Food Banks Canada
Kirstin Beardsley stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer of Food Banks Canada in 2022. Prior to leading the network of over 5,100 food banks and community agencies, Kirstin was Food Banks Canada’s bilingual Chief Network Services Officer and was responsible for leading transformational change in the food banking system in Canada. With a strong and deep understanding of food insecurity in Canada, and of the work of the food banking network, Kirstin has provided leadership to the organization’s strategic plans and task forces over the past ten years. Kirstin is from Ottawa, Ontario but now calls Toronto home. During her time away from work, Kirstin enjoys spending time with her daughter. Kirstin is passionate about working towards the Food Banks Canada vision of a Canada where no one goes hungry and is just as passionate about the incredible people in food banking who are making a difference every day in the lives of so many.
Farming in the Klondike
Since 2004, Dawn has consistently organized time and space for transformational learning in food systems networks that have been foundational for generating a body of research to support decolonizing and Indigenizing food systems in networks where she has become internationally recognized as a published author on the topic. Dawn has developed an Indigenous Third Eye Seeing (ITES) Methodology to guide the process of creating ethical spaces of engagement in land and food systems networks, where Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty meets, coloniality, climate change, and the corporate control of the food system.
Some of the projects Dawn is leading include: “From the Ground Up” Toolkit for Indigenous Food Sovereignty - Train the Trainers, Wild Salmon Caravan, Cwelcwelt Kuc “We are Well” Garden, and research projects: Mapping out and Advocating for the Establishment of Indigenous Foodland Conservation Areas, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Community Wellbeing Amidst a Pandemic.
John Lenart, Klondike Valley Nursery/Horticulture Consultant
John planted his inaugural apple trees in the Klondike over thirty five years ago, undeterred by the cold, wet, previously unbroken, moss-covered valley soil. Determination and passion prevailed. Decades of success growing fruiting and ornamental plants here have made him a sought-after expert in extreme northern horticulture. His ornamental conifers and deciduous trees are features of private, municipal and institutional plantings in Yukon, at the University of Alberta Botanic Garden and the prestigious Iseli Nursery in Oregon. Locally the most prominent display exhibits his dwarf spruces, Siberian larches, elm, hybrid birch and poplars in the Front street park in Dawson City. John loves to share his passion for growing and treading lightly on the earth with everyone who comes through the place.
Jacqueline Clancy, Rockpile Remedies
Jacqueline is a wildcrafter, educator, gardener and herbalist based in Dawson City, Yukon. She moved to the Yukon in 1975 and learned about natural healing while raising her children in the bush outside Dawson City. No kool-aid for these kids! From rose hip tea to organic gardening, she discovered herbal remedies out of her own need for chronic pain relief. Rockpile Remedies is the culmination of her herbal experience and education. Jacqueline has taught Wildcrafting in the Klondike since 2014 and owns and operates Rockpile Remedies from her home on the tailings outside Dawson. Jacqueline believes that everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to identify medicinal plants and make easy-to-use herbal remedies from them.
Otto Muehlback, Dawson Farmer
Otto is 68 years old with over 50 years of farming/horticulture experience. Immigrating to Canada in 2008, he started with his partner Conny in 2013 to build a home and start the kokopellie farm. After 12 years in business in Canada, Otto is learning to harness Mother Nature in the subarctic to provide a wide range of veggies, herbs, meat, grain, potatoes, and flowers - some of which, year-round, for the locals and our table. All produce is organically grown using traditional methods. As he transitions to a sort of retirement, Otto supports the next generation to find the passion to support life on the land and produce local, healthy food and a healthy lifestyle.
Derrick Hastings, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Farm
Coming soon.
Jake Armstrong, Forgé&Fungî
Jake Armstrong is a blacksmith, mushroom farmer, filmmaker, and board member of CYAN. He came to the Yukon in 2015 as a wild mushroom picker and before that spent many years travelling and working on farms from Nova Scotia to California. Since 2019, he has been cultivating mushrooms for the local Market in Dawson. Getting a start at the TH farm, where he developed the first large-scale practice, he has since set out to launch his own farm Forgé&Fungî. His approach to working with mushrooms as nature's recyclers informs how he has developed the infrastructure necessary for cultivating them, recycling and repurposing all that went into the practice from electrical components, building materials for fruiting chambers, and the vessels the mushrooms grow in. Through experimenting with cold-hardy local strains and adaptive methods, Jake hopes to help bring innovation and more diversity to the Yukon's food systems as well as resilience by organizing with other local farmers and community members.
Mayo Workshop Leaders
Ihdzi’
Nikki, Syd, and Catherine are Na-Cho Nyäk Dun Development Corporation’s local Mayo team. They run Ihdzí’, a gathering space and shared commercial kitchen that opened to the public last year. This shared space is a place for local artists and food vendors to sell their work, for folks to come in and enjoy a coffee or tea and socialize, and for individuals and organizations to rent either the gathering space or kitchen (the "food innovation hub") at affordable rates.
Since 2004, Dawn has consistently organized time and space for transformational learning in food systems networks that have been foundational for generating a body of research to support decolonizing and Indigenizing food systems in networks where she has become internationally recognized as a published author on the topic. Dawn has developed an Indigenous Third Eye Seeing (ITES) Methodology to guide the process of creating ethical spaces of engagement in land and food systems networks, where Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty meets, coloniality, climate change, and the corporate control of the food system.
Some of the projects Dawn is leading include: “From the Ground Up” Toolkit for Indigenous Food Sovereignty - Train the Trainers, Wild Salmon Caravan, Cwelcwelt Kuc “We are Well” Garden, and research projects: Mapping out and Advocating for the Establishment of Indigenous Foodland Conservation Areas, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Community Wellbeing Amidst a Pandemic.
Cherish Fairclough, Herbalist
Cherish Fairclough is a Citizen of Little Salmon Carmacks First Nation, Wolf Clan. She completed her education in herbal medicine at Pacific Rim College in Victoria BC, where she currently resides. For over a decad, she has been sharing her knowledge through plant-focused projects, research, resource development, and teaching workshops. Her work is focused on plants in the Yukon, with special attention to plant uses and teachings of the Northern Tutchone people.
Amy Genier, Artist
Rooted in the Boreal Forest and guided by generations of traditional knowledge, I am Southern Tutchone of the Wolf Clan, from the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council First Nation. My passion lies in facilitating plant knowledge—both traditional and evolving—and in advocating for healing and cultural reclamation through a blend of tradition and innovation. I design and lead workshops that are more than educational; they are spaces for community healing, storytelling, and cultural revitalization. Through my work, I strive to carry forward the teachings of my elders, preserving them not as relics of the past, but as living, breathing knowledge that continues to grow and adapt.
Youth Leadership in Food Systems
Meesha Wittkopf (She/Her), Yukon Food Security Network
Meesha started the Beaver Creek Food Sovereignty Project in 2023, where she was mentored by local food sovereignty experts, Elders, and the community. With an academic and personal interest in how climate change impacts northern health, her work with White River First Nation exploded into a dynamic position in supporting rural and remote communities in food sovereignty initiatives. As the rural coordinator at the Yukon Food Security Network, her passion for celebrating rural communities is a key theme of this conference. Her passion for youth leadership in community-based food initiatives is inspired by the energy young people bring to their local food systems. She is the founder of the Youth Coalition 4 Food Security North project, a pan-northern youth network of young leaders leading food sovereignty and security initiatives across northern Canada.
Since 2004, Dawn has consistently organized time and space for transformational learning in food systems networks that have been foundational for generating a body of research to support decolonizing and Indigenizing food systems in networks where she has become internationally recognized as a published author on the topic. Dawn has developed an Indigenous Third Eye Seeing (ITES) Methodology to guide the process of creating ethical spaces of engagement in land and food systems networks, where Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty meets, coloniality, climate change, and the corporate control of the food system.
Some of the projects Dawn is leading include: “From the Ground Up” Toolkit for Indigenous Food Sovereignty - Train the Trainers, Wild Salmon Caravan, Cwelcwelt Kuc “We are Well” Garden, and research projects: Mapping out and Advocating for the Establishment of Indigenous Foodland Conservation Areas, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Community Wellbeing Amidst a Pandemic.
Taylor Jobin (She/Her), Yukon Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research
Taylor is Cree and Metis from Treaty 8 territory, born and raised in Whitehorse, and now based in Dawson City. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Governance at Yukon University, previously studying International Relations at the University of British of Colombia.Taylor works as a Junior Researcher with Yukon Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (YSPOR), where she is heading a research project with the Trondek Hwechin Teaching and Learning Farm. This community-grounded project is looking into the connection between local food systems and agriculture to community health and wellness. Her work and advocacy are grounded in lived experience and a commitment to fostering sustainable, inclusive solutions that prioritize food security, community engagement, and equitable access to essential services across the north.
Johnathon Robinson, Tr'ondëk Hwëch'in Farm
Johnathon Robinson is a Tr’ondek Hwech’in citizen and was born and raised in Dawson City, Yukon. Growing up, he was taught to respect the land and all its inhabitants; “my parents taught traditional methods of hunting and fishing that have stayed with me and guided me through life”. His passions for land preservation, climate and environmental advocacy, cultural preservation, and food security shine through his work with the Tr’ondek Hwech’in Teaching and Learning Farm. Through his year-round work on the farm, he not only provides food for the community but also fosters connections between Elders, youth, and the land.
Luiza Salek
Coming soon.
Emy Blanchard, Na-Cho Nyäk Dunn
Emi is a Nacho Nyak Dunn Citizen born and raised in the Yukon. Emi has been learning at the Nacho Nyak Dun garden in Mayo for the previous 9 years under various mentors. She is eager for any opportunity to experience the teachings of our elders, community, and land. Currently completing her education in Early Learning while raising a young family, Emi makes sure to set time aside to connect and work with nature.
School Food
Since 2004, Dawn has consistently organized time and space for transformational learning in food systems networks that have been foundational for generating a body of research to support decolonizing and Indigenizing food systems in networks where she has become internationally recognized as a published author on the topic. Dawn has developed an Indigenous Third Eye Seeing (ITES) Methodology to guide the process of creating ethical spaces of engagement in land and food systems networks, where Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty meets, coloniality, climate change, and the corporate control of the food system.
Some of the projects Dawn is leading include: “From the Ground Up” Toolkit for Indigenous Food Sovereignty - Train the Trainers, Wild Salmon Caravan, Cwelcwelt Kuc “We are Well” Garden, and research projects: Mapping out and Advocating for the Establishment of Indigenous Foodland Conservation Areas, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Community Wellbeing Amidst a Pandemic.
Brent Mansfield, Coalition for Healthy School Food
Brent teaches Edible Education as a specialist teacher at Lord Roberts Elementary in Vancouver and is co-founder of LunchLAB, an educational lunch program that provides students with hands-on learning around food literacy. He is an advocate for school food programs and works with the Coalition for Healthy School Food.
Brenda Stehelin, Yukon First Nation Education Directorate
Brenda Stehelin (Khinigwek) was born and raised in Whitehorse and is a member of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation. Brenda has raised four children in Whitehorse with her husband, Warren, and is a proud grandmother of seven. In her free time, Brenda is an artist, enjoys family gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren, and contributing to her community in positive ways.
Barb Reid, Yukon Food for Learning Association
Barb has counted herself lucky to be a Yukoner for over 40 years now.She brought her children up in Tagish, which was a great jumping off place for ski trips, paddling, hiking and camping. She held a wide variety of jobs before returning to her passion, which is teaching, in Carcross for 10 years and then in Whitehorse for another 15. Barb has been a part of YFFLA for the last 15 years or so because she cares deeply about helping children develop healthy brains and bodies. Barb hopes to be part of a strong cooperative effort between all concerned agencies in developing a plan to provide schools with healthy foods and a curriculum to support better understanding and love of nutrition.
Angela Edmunds, Robert Service School
Coming soon.
Meat Processing in the Yukon
Simone Rudge, Tum Tum’s Meats
Simone is passionate about supporting a sustainable food system locally and nationally. After 28 years as an instructor at Yukon College, she moved to the private sector and partnered in creating a grocery store business, including a registered egg grading station. Simone, along with her husband Tom and son Graham, now run their own meat processing business Tum Tum’s Black Gilt Meats. Tum Tum’s operated the Yukon Government’s inspected mobile abattoir service for 11 years, and has built and operated a retail meat shop to feature local products. She is currently the coordinator of contingency and backup slaughter services for the Yukon mobile abattoir.
Simone was a founding member of the Growers of Organic Food Yukon as well as the Fireweed Community Market. As an active farmer raising certified organic poultry, pigs, and hay crops, Simone regularly assists other producers with organic questions, marketing techniques, and the documentation required to achieve regulatory compliance. She volunteers on the board for the Growers of Organic Food Yukon, the Potluck Food Coop, and the Northern Fibres Guild.
Since 2004, Dawn has consistently organized time and space for transformational learning in food systems networks that have been foundational for generating a body of research to support decolonizing and Indigenizing food systems in networks where she has become internationally recognized as a published author on the topic. Dawn has developed an Indigenous Third Eye Seeing (ITES) Methodology to guide the process of creating ethical spaces of engagement in land and food systems networks, where Indigenous Peoples food sovereignty meets, coloniality, climate change, and the corporate control of the food system.
Some of the projects Dawn is leading include: “From the Ground Up” Toolkit for Indigenous Food Sovereignty - Train the Trainers, Wild Salmon Caravan, Cwelcwelt Kuc “We are Well” Garden, and research projects: Mapping out and Advocating for the Establishment of Indigenous Foodland Conservation Areas, and Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Community Wellbeing Amidst a Pandemic.
Megan Waterman, Laststraw Ranch
Megan is the owner of her family farm, Lastraw Ranch. While raising poultry and pork, Megan, a founding member of Central Yukon Agricultural Network (CYAN), is committed to working towards sustainable community-based agriculture development in the Klondike/Central Yukon area.
Adonika Jayne, West Side Meat Market
Adonika is the co-owner of the West Side Meat Market, a new business based out of West Dawson offering locally produced farm-gate pork, custom cutting, and processing. Adonika graduated from the Meat Processing program at Olds College in Alberta in 2023 and has trained with Tum Tums Black Gilt Meats in Whitehorse. She and her business partner, Jose Youx, operated the mobile abattoir in Dawson in 2024. Adonika is also a board member of the newly formed Central Yukon Agricultural Network.
Cain Vangel, Yukon Agriculture Association
Coming soon.
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