SAINTE-ANNE-DE-BELLEVUE
City awards grant to John Abbott College

The City of Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue has awarded a grant from its Moving Towards Sustainability Fund to John Abbott College in support of the college's innovative Land-Based Learning project. This initiative, which focuses on enhancing biodiversity and fostering a deeper connection to nature, supported the College in the creation of a First People's Garden and microforest on campus.

The Land-Based Learning project at John Abbott College is designed to integrate Indigenous ways of knowing with western scientific perspectives. The project seeks to address the climate and biodiversity crises by promoting awareness of natural ecosystems and re-defining our relationship with nature. The first phase of the project, completed in May, included the planting of a 200m² microforest containing 600 trees from 14 native species. The second phase was the creation of the First People's Garden, named Kahnikonri:io (Mohawk for "Of Good Mind Garden and Microforest").

The First People's Garden covers 250m² and features native plants that hold cultural significance to Indigenous communities, particularly the Mohawk People. The garden includes seating, a central firepit for ceremonies, and informational components to educate visitors about Indigenous cultures, native plants, and biodiversity. The garden is a space for the College to hold ceremonies and traditional Indigenous events, as well as an educational tool for the broader community.

Mayor Paola Hawa expressed her support for the project, stating, "Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue is proud to be part of a project that recognizes the rich Indigenous history of the local area and creates a beautiful oasis and meeting spot for both Indigenous students and others."

The project is not only a significant step towards environmental sustainability but also a meaningful contribution to the community's social and cultural landscape. It provides a calm and reflective space to connect with nature, while also offering educational opportunities about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of addressing environmental challenges through diverse perspectives.

The project was developed in collaboration with students, college employees, community members, and Indigenous knowledge keepers. The Moving Towards Sustainability Fund grant was used to purchase native plants, topsoil, and other landscaping materials. The garden was completed in August of 2024, and an opening ceremony is planned on September 20^th to mark the occasion.