2020 RURAL WOMEN'S CONFERENCE HAS BEEN CANCELLED

DR. JODY CARRINGTON

Relationships: From babies, to marriages, to death (oh my)

This is the heart of it all for me. I can talk about this for an hour or for an entire day. No matter what stage or what relationship we’re talking, it all comes down to this: connection. It is in these connections with others that the most important question on the planet is answered: “Am I worth it?”.
The biggest challenge facing each of us these days is that we’ve never been more disconnected, making it harder than ever to determine if we really, truly matter in this world. By exploring the most recent research on attachment and emotional regulation, I share what’s most critical in, first, helping our children learn how to manage emotions and, later, what that looks like in our friendships, marriages, and most importantly, in ourselves.
Talking about the importance of relationships began in my work with educators. But, that’s not where it ends. First, we need to recognize that we’re all in (important, life-saving, world-altering, sometimes thunder-making) relationships—that includes police officers and emergency services personnel; foster parents and child care providers; administrators and policy makers. Second, we need a “shared language” that includes networks and strategies to support our babes who struggle the most , the families who hold them, and those doing the holy work of connection. See, what drives it all for me are found in the words of Ram Dass: “We are all just here walking each other home”.

LESLEY KELLY

High Heels & Canola Fields

Lesley Kelly actively farms with her family at Watrous, Saskatchewan where they grow wheat, durum, canola, barley, oats, lentils, peas and flax.

Lesley is the head and heart behind the popular High Heels & Canola Fields blog that has attracted thousands from around the world where she dispels myths about agriculture and brings consumers and farmers together. She has recently expanded her reach by co-hosting What the Farm podcast which explores various topics in food and farming through real life conversations. Lesley’s goal in being involved in agriculture beyond the farm is to build community and bring people together, create conversation, collaborate and identify solutions that help both the industry and consumers.

Lesley has been a leader in advocating for mental health. She's been a part of the national Bell Let's Talk campaign and co-founded the Do More Agriculture Foundation whose mission is to break barriers and support all farmers in taking care of their mental well-being. She was recognized by the Regina YWCA with the Women of Distinction award for this work.

When Lesley isn't in the field, you can find her running to the hockey rink with her boys, taking pictures, going for a run on country roads, learning how to cook for a harvest crew and travelling with her husband.