Tawnya Plain Eagle

Charles's Bio

Charles Russell is the owner of Plains Pantry Pemmican, where he leads interactive workshops that bring the art of pemmican-making to life. Blending traditional Blackfoot teachings with modern science, Charles helps participants explore how this traditional Indigenous food continues to offer value in today’s world. His sessions create a bridge between traditional knowledge and contemporary understanding through storytelling, hands-on learning, and food.

Kimberly's Bio

Kimberly Gray (MA) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, producer, writer, voice actor, educator, entrepreneur and overall creative force.

Gray’s connection to the environment and making a positive impact through story, art, and community is an integral part of her passion.

Her award-winning documentary, The Root of It All, has connected with audiences across Canada (and a little in New York). It’s a powerful story of our relationship with food.

As a sessional instructor at Mount Royal University, Gray inspires her students with practical skills and the confidence to chase their passions, think critically, cultivate connection, and provoke beautiful questions.

Beyond teaching and the creative arts, Gray is a devoted advocate for canine rescue, breed equity and animal welfare. She also finds joy and power in boxing, Muay Thai, yoga, travel and dance.

Gray’s bold approach and fearless curiosity continue to shape her creative journey.

Tawnya's Bio

Tawnya is from the Piikani Nation, she was recently hired as the Project Manager for the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project because of her passion for bettering the lives of her community.

Tawnya has 6 years working in various projects that brought new opportunities to the Piikani people through, food sustainability, land stewardship, promoting the importance of language and encouraging land based learning with youth and elders.

Through Tawnya’s educational background in journalism she has encompassed the skills to network and build important relationships throughout the confederacy.

Rural Routes to Climate Solutions

Jason's Bio

Jason Hale has experience in the oil and gas sector, has been a cattle rancher in southern Alberta for over 30 years, was a professional bull fighter, and was an elected Member for the Eastern Irrigation District and Alberta Beef Producers.

As a former Member of Legislative Assembly (April 2012 – May 2015), Jason served on 3 legislative committees and was the opposition critic for Energy; where he provided critical assessment of government policy and programs. He sat on multiple community boards such as the Advisory Committee for the Medicine Hat College and Crawling Valley Recreations Society.

Jason has a Chemical Technology diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT).

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation