Bkejwanong Greenhouse Project

Western Science values the opportunity to work with the Bkejwanong community (Walpole Island First Nation) in realizing their goal of establishing a not-for-profit greenhouse complex for Indigenous food sovereignty and security. In accordance with its strategic plan, Western Science is committed to advancing reconciliation and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities, and the Bkejwanong Greenhouse Project is an example of this commitment in action.

This project is a response to a priority identified by the community for rematriating their original foods as part of cultural revitalization. The greenhouse is designed as a community-driven social enterprise rooted in sustainable Indigenous growing practices. Inside, the greenhouse will nurture nutrient-dense, chemical-free, heirloom foods; traditional medicines; and species-at-risk plants for ecological restoration.

Built on shared values, the greenhouse will address:

Food Sovereignty & Security: Empowering the WIFN community to grow and access traditional foods that nourish both the body and spirit
Cultural Learning and Revitalization: Creating hands-on learning opportunities for Western students and local schools that are grounded in land, language and Indigenous knowledge, while creating connections between Western and WIFN
Environmental Stewardship: Supporting biodiversity and restoration efforts through Indigenous ecological knowledge and practice

Western has so far supported the project by funding construction of greenhouse materials acquired by the First Nation, and of an access road and foundation pad. The next phase will make the greenhouse fully operational year-round through utility installations

Looking ahead, the community envisions building an adjacent passive solar greenhouse as an educational facility and developing curriculum and Anishinaabemowin language resources with local schools.