Vision

The Courtyard Project aims to create a greenspace at Otetiskewin Kiskinwamahtowekamik (O.K.) School that could be used daily by students and staff to get outside, play, learn and enjoy the local environment.

This space could also act as valuable habitat for local wildlife. We could incorporate local knowledge, Cree culture, and community members in our project. (ie. Elders and Knowledge Holders)

Students could take part in growing plants in their classrooms before they are transplanted outside. They could also take part in other aspects of the project, including creating a rock garden with painted rocks that they’ve designed.

This project could help to support the food services at O.K. School, the Food Pantry Program, providing healthy and locally grown food to the community, and connection to culture, language and land.

We could also apply to EcoSchools Canada after the project is completed, which is a nationally recognized certification that could enable us to apply for more grants in the future, and get connected to a larger initiative.

We could gather feedback form the community (survey), and testimonials from students and volunteers who worked on the project. This could be done through different media types, including social media, newsletters and local news sources.

A staff member could be hired to maintain the project throughout the summer, this could be a local community member, someone who is an existing NNCEA Staff Member and/or a summer student. They would water the plants, take care of the plants and maybe give them to community members.

Action

The project could include:
• planting of native plant species
• medicinal garden
• disassembling and rebuilding a small greenhouse
• disassembling a large play structure and erecting a tipi
• interpretive signage in Cree and English
• mural with local art on display
• rain barrels, benches
• learning rocks
• growing food for the community
• Library Hut
• Remove picnic benches
• Remove bleacher/planters
• Gardens in the front of the school