Kapawe’no First Nation – We are pleased to announce that our KFN Collegiare’s Sovereign Foods Program is starting off strong for the 2025 growing season! This initiative weaves together land-based learning, nutritional empowerment, and scientific inquiry. As the snow melts and the earth awakens, our collegiate’s community is sowing seeds of resilience, one garden bed at a time.
The Vision of Sovereign Foods
The Sovereign Foods Program is more than a gardening project; it is a declaration of self-sufficiency. The Programs core goals are to:
– Reconnect youth to the land through hands-on learning, fostering pride in Nehiyawak traditions and encouraging stewardship.
– Build food sovereignty by growing our own produce, reducing reliance on external systems, and eventually expanding into livestock, grains, and sustainable fishing and hunting practices.
– Nourish our students with fresh, culturally relevant foods while aligning with the Canada Food Guide.
Under the leadership of myself April Adamson (Grades 7–12) and Berlinda Sharkawi (Grades K–6), the program integrates classroom learning with practical, earth-centered skills. Last week the program had its first meeting of the year where Berlinda and I met with the principals and staff interested in having a hands-on role in the project.
Our plan for this season
This spring, students will cultivate raised beds brimming with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, green onions, carrots, peas, radishes, potatoes, and herbs—all selected for their nutritional value and versatility in school meals.
Construction of multiple new raised garden beds is already underway which will allow us to increase our yield from last year.
Branching Out: Long-Term Growth
The Sovereign Foods Program is designed to evolve. In the Future, we aim to introduce:
Mobile chicken coops for egg production. Start using more of the school’s land to grow crops like canola, wheat, and barley.
Fishing and smoking workshops to teach traditional preservation methods.
Student-led sales of surplus produce at the Kapawe’no General Store, fostering entrepreneurship.
Next Steps: Nation Call to Action
With seedlings currently being started indoors, the program is gaining momentum. I would like to extend my gratitude to Norbert for his work on the raised beds, and to all of the teachers and support staff for their collaborative effort!
by April Adamson, Grade 12 homeroom teacher
Last modified: March 31, 2025
