Reforest, Revitalize, Reclaim: Kahnawà:ke Plants a Food Forest
Community members in Kahnawà:ke join forces to bring new life to Tekakwitha Island by planting a food forest.
Original article BY MARIEKE GLORIEUX-STRYCKMAN ● NEWS ● NOVEMBER 29, 2023
In the windswept embrace of Tekakwitha Island, community members in Kahnawà:ke unite to breathe life back into the land. The island, once a desolate rocky expanse, is now witnessing the birth of a food forest, a testament to the resilience and commitment of its volunteers.
🌳 Regenerating the Island's Heart
Tekakwitha Island, born from the construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway in the 1950s, had severed its ties with nature, leaving behind a rocky terrain inhospitable to life. However, recent efforts, including a bay restoration project, have rekindled hope. Now, a dedicated team from the Kahnawà:ke Environment Protection Office (KEPO) is creating a food forest, aiming to revive native plants and restore the island's ecological balance.
🌱 Permaculture Wisdom at Work
In the face of challenging soil quality, Marina Gosselin, KEPO's environmental projects coordinator, collaborated with Graham Calder, founder of P3 Permaculture, during a permaculture workshop. Calder introduced the lasagna garden technique, a method mirroring natural forest floor processes, demonstrating the power of permaculture in rejuvenating landscapes.
Sage Karahkwinetha Goodleaf, her niece, and Douglas Lahache plant together on Tekakwitha Island. PHOTO: Marieke Glorieux-Stryckman
🌎 Climate Positive Vision
This regenerative initiative aligns with KEPO's broader climate change plan, utilizing the food forest as an educational tool. Julie Teio’keráthe Delisle, working in education and outreach at KEPO, engaged the community's vast knowledge through surveys, ensuring the project meets their needs.
🌈 Seeds of Sovereignty and Security
As the island undergoes transformation, Gail Taylor and Douglas Lahache share a vision of food sovereignty and security. Lahache, dedicated to reviving original corn varieties, emphasizes the importance of reclaiming traditional crops. The food forest represents a tangible step towards reconnecting with ancestral practices.
🌏 Become a Regenerative force of nature: Learn Permaculture
Join the movement! 🌿 This winter, dive into permaculture education and be ready to contribute to projects like these next season. Learn the art of regenerative agriculture, and together, let's sow the seeds for a sustainable future. 🌱 #RegenerateTekakwitha #PermacultureEducation #SustainableFuture
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Permaculture Design Certificate
A mix of On demand and live interactive classes
Optional 1 Week Handson Course at the farm
🌿 Regenerating Tekakwitha Island: A Regenerative Food Forest Journey