Kristin Lehar Has A Growing Passion For Food Sustainability

After studying environment and sustainable food production at McGill University, Kristin Lehar has landed her dream job.

Three weeks ago she was hired by Williams Lake First Nation to be their new Food Sustainability Coordinator.

“I’m going to be developing food sustainability projects that are culturally appropriate, creating a food production system that’s sustainable and works with nature and benefits the land and the environment, and ultimately that creates an abundance of healthy food and medicines that are accessible and affordable for the community.” Lehar said, “And supporting and expanding traditional food systems, as well as traditional knowledge and wisdom around foods and the people’s connection to the lands.”

As with most communities, Lehar thinks there is a pretty significant need within the WLFN community.

“We are currently highly reliant on the industrial agriculture industry since that is were we are getting the majority of our food. That industry and it’s practices are pretty unsustainable which means at some point it’s going to inevitably have to change, and I don’t know what that change looks like, but if it means major food shortages and fancy price hikes then its pretty important to have a reliable and resilient food system in place for the immediate community.”

In addition to attending McGill University, Lehar said for a few years she worked on small scale organic farms, and has always been interested in health and traditional ways of healing and medicine, as well as having a deep love for the environment and nature.

“I’ve always wanted to have a farm of my own but in this day and age it’s seemingly out of reach for me, especially financially. So I looked for other ways and opportunities which I could bring this kind of work to the community and this opportunity showed up and it was pretty perfect.”