May 15, 2025

EP 79 – Kainai Self Sufficiency

37 minutes

In this episode of the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project (SAP) podcast series, Lance Tailfeathers sits down with Wolf Caller (Elliot Fox), a leader in land management and now a member of Kainai First Nation’s Council. They discuss the past, present and future of agriculture in Kainai First Nation in southern Alberta, exploring how Blackfoot ways of knowing can help to protect water systems against droughts, enhance food security and protect native species.

Wolf Caller (Elliot) shares his journey in environmental conservation and land management, from his early days with Parks Canada to his work with the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council. The conversation then dives into the historical significance of agriculture on the Kainai Reserve, how colonial policies disrupted that self-sufficiency and the potential for sustainable, community-based food production today.

Highlights:

5:21 – Wolf Caller introduces himself and talks about his history working in conservation and land management and his role with the Blackfoot Confederacy Tribal Council.

7:20 – What is your personal connection to agriculture and conservation, growing up on the Blood reserve?

10:26 – Wolf Caller shares his thoughts on potential drought solutions and irrigation within the Blackfoot Confederacy

15:43 – Is there a difference between our Blackfoot ways of knowing compared to the more “typical” farming practices we’ve been exposed to through colonization?

20:25 – Being the former director of the Blood Tribe Lands Management Department, what were those relationships like with farmers on the reserve?

22:10 – Wolf Caller reflects on ensuring producers were using best management practices during his time as director.

25:11 – What are your thoughts on where the Kainai Nation could go with respect to food security and becoming more self-sufficient?

32:00 – Wolf Caller’s thoughts on the potential to re-introduce native grasses and Bison to cultivated land on Kainai.

Useful links:

Blood Tribe Agriculture Project

Want to learn more?

We’ve got more podcast episodes, and a Farmer’s Blog from members of the Blackfoot community. If you want to learn more, check out the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture section of our resource package. Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 30, William Singer

Norma Wolfchild, farmers blog

...more

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By Rural Routes to Climate Solutions