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.
Testimonial
“The First Nations Zero Waste Ambassador program delivered by Ciclomanias, along with the creation of our school garden, has had a tremendous impact on our school and community. Students of all ages learned to grow native edible plants, compost, reduce waste, and care for their own gardens. The program provided summer employment for local youth and opportunities to gain practical gardening skills.
Elders shared traditional knowledge about foods and medicines, enriching students’ learning. The school garden, guided by Ciclomanias and community Elders, became a vibrant space for outdoor learning, where students gained hands-on experience with traditional plants and vegetables and developed lasting skills in sustainable gardening.”
Robbie Gordon
Principal, Chief Jacob Bearspaw School
Neepin Auger
Although I joined CJBS near the end of the growing season, I had the opportunity to see the positive impact of the Eco-Guardians program and the pride surrounding this year’s harvest.
Programs like Eco-Guardians provide valuable opportunities for our youth to develop practical skills, responsibility, confidence, and a connection to the land through hands-on learning and mentorship. Summer garden care is especially important because it ensures the work started during the school year continues and that students and staff can return to a healthy and productive garden.
The program is a wonderful support to our students, teachers, and the broader school community. It creates meaningful learning opportunities while encouraging youth leadership, teamwork, and community involvement. I look forward to seeing the program continue to grow at CJBS and to witnessing its full impact in the years ahead.
Îsnîyes, Neepin Auger
Principal, Chief Jacob Bearspaw School
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