During the Summer 2024, we successfully designed, developed, and built a school garden at Chief Jacob Bearspaw School through a collaborative and hands-on approach. Ciclomanias contributed to the project supporting every stage from concept to implementation. This included securing funding to bring the garden to life and ensuring strong engagement with students, teachers, Elders and school staff.
The raised beds were arranged in the shape of a medicine wheel, honoring Indigenous knowledge and symbolizing balance and interconnectedness. A rain barrel was installed beside the beds to collect water and support sustainable irrigation practices.
To maintain the garden over the summer months, we hired two local youth as part of the Eco-Guardians Youth Training and Mentorship program, providing them with weekly training and supervision. This program not only supported the care of the garden but also offered meaningful employment and skill-building opportunities for the students involved.
The garden location was thoughtfully assessed and blessed by Elder Bob Lefthand, who inaugurated it with a garden song in the Stoney Nakoda language.
The school garden has become a valuable land-based learning space that fosters environmental stewardship, food literacy, and community involvement. Elizabeth had the opportunity to share her Mexican Indigenous culinary knowledge by teaching students how to make corn tortillas. It was a deeply fulfilling experience and a powerful way to connect with children in a meaningful and joyful setting. Students had the joyful opportunity to harvest and cook what they grew and proudly shared the produce with their Elders and classmates.
