To highlight the work CREation Grantees are doing in their communities, the CREation Community Grants Team sends out Q&A forms so they can share their experiences creating and carrying out their projects. Today we are featuring responses from Tikkan Morrisseau and Sara Fontaine of the Sagkeeng Youth Group.
Q : Tell us about your group and project!
Sagkeeng Youth Group partnered with Sagkeeng Anicinabe High School to create Gitigandaawiin, a solar-powered 3-season Greenhouse that is run by students at the school.
Q : As the youth running the project, what impact do you hope it will have?
Gitigandaawiin is the first of many projects to ensure food security and healthy eating within our community. It will directly provide healthy and fresh produce for the school’s cafeteria. Having the students run the Greenhouse will promote land-based learning and leadership skills. We hope this project brings together our community and enhances our connection to Mother Earth. We hope the influence reaches everyone and we see a reduction in diabetes and cancers in the next decade.
Q : What is something you have learned?
Through capacity-building programs offered by our donors, we have learned lots of Project Management Skills, and learned what healthy Community Collaborations look like. We also learned the urgency of such projects and the environmental and economic benefits of leading sustainability developments.
Q : What is one piece of advice you would share with other youth who want to run a project?
If there are things you see that aren’t working for your community, be brave and speak out; do not be afraid to be the change your community needs. Your voice matters!
Tikkan Morrisseau
To believe in yourself and your vision. Educational background and popularity do not matter, when you lead with good intentions and resiliency you can accomplish anything. Small or large projects are attainable through finding your resources and through healthy community partnerships. You can do it!
Sara Fontaine
Additional comments
We would love to say thank you to the following organizations for their support:
- Indigenous Clean Energy
- EcoHome Network
- Canadian Roots Exchange
- Chantier Jeunesse
- PowerTec Solar Inc
- Home Hardware Pine Falls Location
- Wallace to Wallace Fencing Lowson Crescent Winnipeg Location
- Heirloom Seeds Canada
- Sagkeeng Anicinabe Highschool
- Sagkeeng Employment and Training Services
We are so proud of the heart-work our young relatives like Tikkan Morrisseau and Sara Fontaine from the Sagkeeng Youth Group are doing across Turtle Island and are so lucky to be able to support them in their work.