Certified Professional in Indigenous Food Sovereignty Leadership
Published on June 28, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast! Today, I'm thrilled to have Dr. Natasha K Conti, the lead instructor of the Certified Professional in Indigenous Food Sovereignty Leadership course. Dr. Conti, welcome! Can you share with us what inspired you to create this unique program? GUEST: Mahsi cho for having me! I was inspired by the need to empower individuals who are passionate about enhancing food sovereignty in Indigenous communities. The course bridges leadership skills, sustainability, and cultural knowledge. HOST: That sounds fascinating. How does this certification foster collaboration and resilience among community leaders, educators, and advocates? GUEST: We create a learning environment that encourages knowledge sharing, strategic planning, and networking. Participants develop strong relationships and leave with an action plan tailored to their community's needs. HOST: What are some current trends in Indigenous food sovereignty that you're seeing in the industry today? GUEST: There's a growing interest in traditional food systems, regenerative agriculture, and addressing climate change. Many communities are also reconnecting with their food traditions and language revitalization efforts. HOST: Those are important issues indeed. Are there any challenges you've encountered while teaching this subject or within the field itself? GUEST: One challenge is addressing colonial narratives that have disrupted traditional food systems. Another is ensuring that our curriculum remains relevant and accessible to diverse learners. HOST: That's a delicate balance to strike. Lastly, how do you envision the future of Indigenous food sovereignty? What role does this course play in shaping that future? GUEST: I see a future where Indigenous communities are at the forefront of food systems, reclaiming their traditional practices, and leading the way in sustainable agriculture. Our course equips learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to this vision. HOST: Dr. Conti, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. We're excited to see the positive impact this course will have on Indigenous food sovereignty and community leadership. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm looking forward to seeing the transformative changes our students will bring to their communities.
