Youth, Arts and Media Team

YOUTH, ARTS & MEDIA:
Sharing our stories
The program aims to reimagine food with an inventive approach, combining tech-driven creativity and sustainable practices to impact the industry positively.
The program aims to reimagine food with an inventive approach, combining tech-driven creativity and sustainable practices to impact the industry positively. Image: Tony Eetak

Manitoba Food Production Update: August 2024 Highlights

August was a thrilling month as we surpassed 50,000 visitors since our February launch, with over 13,000 views this month alone. From leveraging AI tools for sustainable food production to nostalgic flashbacks on traditional plant knowledge, our youth-driven platform continues to innovate and inspire.

August was nothing short of an incredible adventure for our platform, packed with learning, innovation, and impressive milestones. This fall’s project activities will see Canadian and American youth revolutionize local food production using sustainable methods, showcasing the power of technology in reshaping our approaches.

Confidence is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.
Confidence is not a destination but a continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.

But perhaps the most exhilarating highlight of the month was smashing our goal of 50,000 visitors in our first six months, with over 13,000 visitors in August alone! This monumental achievement is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our youth. Their hard work in producing engaging content, from AI-driven food photography and digital literacy on our “Friday Food Prompts” to high-resolution DALL-E 3 breakfast and pizza images, has captivated a wide audience and set a new benchmark for our platform.

Congratulations to all the amazing youth, mentors, artists and collaborators who contributed to making August such a success. Your innovative spirit and hard work are driving us to new heights and paving the way for even more extraordinary accomplishments in the future. Here’s to continuing our journey, celebrating each achievement, and looking forward to the adventures that lie ahead!

With our hands in the soil this summer, we’ve watched our tomatoes flourish—plump and green, embodying the lessons we’ve learned about food production from seed to harvest.
With our hands in the soil this summer, we’ve watched our tomatoes flourish—plump and green, embodying the lessons we’ve learned about food production from seed to harvest. Photo: Tony Eetak, Niriqatiginnga Youth, Arts and Media

2024 August Highlights

Youth Food Security Project Celebrates 50,000 Visitors

August 28, 2024: Youth-led Niriqatiginnga platform celebrates reaching 50,000 visitors in its first six months, showcasing young entrepreneurs’ innovation and learning in digital media. READ MORE »

Our 2024 Food Production Project will start this fall and winter!

Waiting for Strawberry: Cultivating OpenAI Tools for Local Food Production

August 28, 2024: Canadian and American youth leverage advanced AI tools from OpenAI’s Researcher Access Program to revolutionize local food production with sustainable methods.

Looking back: Learning about plants from Elders

August 26, 2024: In 2013, the Arviat Goes Green projects focused on sustainable food production and traditional Inuit plant knowledge to enhance access to fresh produce in Northern communities.

Through A New Lens: Youth-Focused Evaluation of Niriqatiginnga’s Journey

At its core, Niriqatiginnga continues the important work of the Arviat Film Society, ensuring that stories of success, challenge, and triumph within Indigenous communities are told and celebrated. Each initiative READ MORE »

Friday Food Prompts: All about coffee

August 23, 2024: Explore our fun and creative journey into coffee photography and AI food prompts to create ultra high-resolution images that capture the rich, inviting essence of your favorite brews.

Flashback: Learning to make Grow Boxes

August 20, 2024: In today’s flashback from 2013, The Arviat Goes Green project and Youth Media Team explored innovative growing methods and Inuit plant knowledge to address food security in Northern communities, with ongoing efforts to enhance composting, greenhouse research, and local food availability.

Food Prompt Friday: Breakfast is Bliss!

August 16, 2024: Discover the fun of designing mouth-watering breakfast images with DALL-E 3, and share your own creative food ideas while enjoying our weekly Friday food prompts!

In Winnipeg, our tomatoes are getting plump and green, grounding our understanding of food production from the very first stages of farming. They are the starting point of our journey to learn about Manitoba food production and the complexities of supply chains.
In Winnipeg, our tomatoes are getting plump and green, grounding our understanding of food production from the very first stages of farming. They are the starting point of our journey to learn about Manitoba food production and the complexities of supply chains. Photo: Tony Eetak, Niriqatiginnga Youth, Arts and Media

Photo of the Day: The tomatoes are filling up!

August 12, 2024: The adaptability of tomato plants to different growing conditions makes them an ideal crop for regions facing climatic challenges. READ MORE »

Flashback: Worm Farming with Arviat Goes Green in 2013

August 12, 2024: Looking back at the 2013 Arviat Goes Green Youth Media Team and Arviat Greenhouse food security research, we highlight the amazing worm farming project for Arctic compost. READ MORE »

Photo of the Day: Thriving Beans

August 12, 2024: In addition to their nutritional benefits, beans contribute to sustainable agricultural practices that are vital for food security. READ MORE »

Niriqatiginnga joins Food & Beverage Manitoba

August 9, 2024: Niriqatiginnga proudly joins Food & Beverage Manitoba to enhance food security and innovation in the local food industry, connecting producers and resources for sustainable growth. READ MORE »

Food Prompt Friday with Dall E-3: Pizza Time!

August 9, 2024: Food Prompt Fridays: Discover the perfect blend of rustic charm and digital innovation with our DALL-E 3 generated pizza images, showcasing artisanal crusts, gooey cheese, and crispy toppings in ultra high-resolution detail. READ MORE »

Insights from GAC’s Risk Appetite Hackathon can Inform Future Agriculture Projects

August 8, 2024: Learn how insights from participants of the Inaugural Global Affairs Canada Risk Appetite Hackathon can inform future planning for collaborative hackathons focused on climate change and community engagement in Arctic regions. READ MORE »

Looking back: Arviat Goes Green 2013

August 8, 2024: Discover how a community in Canada’s North tackled the challenge of accessing healthy, fresh produce through innovative and environmentally friendly initiatives. Arviat Goes Green, involved local youth, Elders, and visiting researchers experimenting with various growing methods and conditions to maximize the summer growing periods. Join us as we reflect on this incredible food security project from 2013. READ MORE »

Looking Back: Healthy Bodies and Water Water with Leo Mukjunik

August 7, 2023: This week’s research flashback looks at the Healthy Bodies Storybook project from 2013! READ MORE »

Chopping up freshly harvested dill in the kitchen—transforming garden delights into culinary magic!
Chopping up freshly harvested dill in the kitchen—transforming garden delights into culinary magic!

A Dill-ightful Harvest with Dall E-3

August 6, 2024: Embrace the essence of summer with Niriqatiginnga as we harvest fresh dill, connecting with tradition, community, and the unique flavors of Winnipeg! READ MORE »

Exploring AI Innovations: Highlighting Protein Industries Canada’s AI Program

August 6, 2024: Discover the cutting-edge AI Program launched by Protein Industries Canada! This initiative is set to revolutionize the protein and plant-based food industries through AI-driven solutions that boost productivity, efficiency, and sustainability. READ MORE »

Thanks to the support of Manitoba Agriculture, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, youth this year are learning to grow their own vegetables! Photo: Tony Eetak, Niriqatiginnga Youth, Arts and Media.
Thanks to the support of Manitoba Agriculture, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, youth this year are learning to grow their own vegetables! Photo: Tony Eetak, Niriqatiginnga Youth, Arts and Media.

Exciting Gardening News: Our Peas and Beans Are Sprouting! 

August 5, 2024: Exciting Winnipeg Manitoba food garden update: Our peas and beans are sprouting beautifully, promising a lush and bountiful harvest! READ MORE »

Thank you to our platform’s 35,000 readers!

August 4, 2024: As we celebrate this achievement, we’re more motivated than ever to keep delivering valuable content and engaging experiences. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments as we continue to build on this momentum. Together, we’re making a significant difference! READ MORE »

Agri-Tech: Informing Future Co-Design with Lessons Learned from the GAC Risk Appetite Hackathon

August 3, 2024: We’re learning how key lessons learned from the Global Affairs Canada Risk Appetite Hackathon, emphasizing co-design and stakeholder engagement, can inform future initiatives, including the Niriqatiginnga project and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s strategic efforts to tackle challenges in the agri-food, agricultural and agri-tech sectors. READ MORE »

Crafted with precision using OpenAI's DALL-E 3, this Classic Cheeseburger looks as good as it tastes. Dive into a digital masterpiece of culinary perfection! Image: Tony Eetak, Niriqatiginnga Youth, Arts and Media.
Crafted with precision using OpenAI’s DALL-E 3, this Classic Cheeseburger looks as good as it tastes. Dive into a digital masterpiece of culinary perfection! Image: Tony Eetak, Niriqatiginnga Youth, Arts and Media.

Friday Fun: Getting creative with generative AI food photography

August 2, 2024: We’re learning to generate virtual cheeseburgers and chicken burgers. We crafted various prompts and captions to highlight the visual appeal of these dishes and showcase the advanced AI tools used in generating high-quality images for marketing purposes. READ MORE »

Advancing Canada’s Economy: The Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy

August 1, 2024: Canada’s Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy accelerates AI adoption across sectors, bridging talent with practical applications through three key pillars. READ MORE »

Experience the delightful fusion of tradition and taste with this beautifully presented wojapi jam on toast. The lush, berry-filled jam is artistically spread over golden-brown toast, complemented by a side dish of additional jam that showcases its rich color and texture. This inviting scene captures the essence of homemade comfort, offering a visual feast that emphasizes the simple elegance of a classic treat.
Experience the delightful fusion of tradition and taste with this beautifully presented wojapi jam on toast. The lush, berry-filled jam is artistically spread over golden-brown toast, complemented by a side dish of additional jam that showcases its rich color and texture. This inviting scene captures the essence of homemade comfort, offering a visual feast that emphasizes the simple elegance of a classic treat. Image: Jamie Bell, Niriqatiginnga

Niriqatiginnga Recipes

Classic Bannock Recipe: A Simple and Delicious Traditional Bread

August 27, 2023: Discover the timeless charm of homemade bannock with our easy recipe. This traditional bread, with its golden-brown crust and tender, fluffy interior, is perfect for any meal. 

Photo of the Day: Watching our cucumbers grow!

Explore how our Winnipeg, Manitoba project is delving into food production with a focus on growing cucumbers, highlighting the journey from seed to harvest and the appreciation for local farming efforts. READ MORE »

How to Make Delicious Wojapi Jam: A Traditional Treat

August 20, 2023: Discover the art of making traditional wojapi jam with our easy recipe! Perfect for food production enthusiasts in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this homemade berry jam brings a taste of heritage to your kitchen. Learn how to craft this delicious treat from scratch and explore the rich flavors of wild berries in every jar.

Discover the Joy of Baking: A Step-by-Step Guide to Cinnamon Raisin Bread

August 14, 2023: Enjoy the homemade delight of cinnamon raisin bread. Freshly baked from scratch, it features a crispy crust and a gooey, cinnamon-swirled interior, offering perfect sweetness and comfort in every bite.

This summer we have been busy learning about food production and growing our own food. We are planning our food production project, and connecting with community organizations. Video: Tony Eetak

Upcoming Events

Global Dignity Day 2024

Virtual: Winnipeg, Arviat, Melgund Township, Montreal, Minneapolis, Ottawa

Global Dignity Day aims to empower individuals with the belief that every human being has the inherent right to live a life marked by dignity and respect. Join us on October 16!

Arctic Change 2024

Ottawa, Ontario

We’re planning to attend the 5th International Arctic Change Conference, a special edition of ArcticNet’s Annual Scientific Meeting, will take place from December 9th-12th, 2024 at the Shaw Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Join us the week of December 9, 2024!

National Kindness Week 2025

Virtual: Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Minneapolis

The annual, week-long celebration encourages Canadians from coast to coast to coast to celebrate acts of kindness, volunteerism and charitable giving to the benefit of all Canadians, and will connect individuals and organizations to share resources, information and tools to foster more acts of kindness. Join us on February 9, 2025!

Northern Lights 2025 Montreal

Hybrid: Palais des congrès de Montréal 455 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Join the Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce at the Palais des congrès de Montréal for the Northern Lights 2025 Business & Cultural Showcase beginning on February 12, 2025!

Youth Arts and Media Team

Youth, Arts and Media Team summer activities are supported with funding and support from a number of partners and collaborators, including: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Arts Borups Corners, the University of Minnesota Duluth, Manitoba Agriculture and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. We also acknowledge support from the OpenAI Researcher Access Program, Agri-Food and Agriculture Canada and the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Skills Program. Thank you for believing in us and supporting the Youth, Arts and Media Team.

Picture of Youth, Arts and Media Team

Youth, Arts and Media Team

The Youth, Arts and Media Team supports participatory food security research, arts and organizational development. Through this program, funded by Agriculture Canada and the Government of Canada's Youth Employment Skills Strategy, Indigenous youth artists and early career communicators receive training and exposure to various forms of media and communication roles. Activities build career and job skills, supporting outreach, relationship development and engagement. There is a strong emphasis on food sector and digital literacy and training youth in the design and delivery of health and food security interventions that promote healthy messages.

Follow our journey!

Read our 2024 Summer Update

The Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) will contribute approximately $13.5 million to projects that employ youth and youth facing barriers. Each project will be eligible to receive up to $14,000 in matching funds to employ one (1) employee. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is one of several Government of Canada departments participating in the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.

Upcoming Events

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Driven by Youth and Volunteers

As a community program, nurturing the skills, knowledge, and networks of our future leaders, this unique, pilot program contributes beyond the success of its participants. It also aims to lay foundations for sustainable and impactful business and entrepreneurship programming.
We are proud to be members of Food and Beverage Manitoba.

As a Manitoba-based non-profit organization we are very proud to be members of Food and Beverage Manitoba.

This community-based, Indigenous youth-driven pilot program is supported by the OpenAI Researcher Access Program.

Our program is proud to have been accepted into the OpenAI Researcher Access Program. 

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Don’t Miss Out! In December 2024, we’re going to give away a special food product to 10 randomly-chosen subscribers who sign up for our mailing list.