PARKLAND COLLEGE
Parkland College Receives $440,000 NSERC Grant to Conduct Digital Applied Research in Agriculture in Partnership with Keeseekoose First Nation

Parkland College has received $440,000 for applied research programs with Keeseekoose First Nation through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program.

This partnership between Keeseekoose First Nation and Parkland College began in the summer of 2021, when Keeseekoose indicated its desire to begin farming some of its land and invited Parkland College to participate as its training and research partner. The goal is to showcase modern farming techniques and provide research and training in all aspects of agriculture, with an emphasis on digital agriculture for people in eastern Saskatchewan.

This two-year project will focus on developing, demonstrating, and validating agricultural technology (ag-tech) for companies working in ag-tech and for producers who are the end-users of ag-tech. The College will be engaging students in paid positions to work with researchers and businesses, giving the students valuable work experience before graduation.

"We are very excited to receive this recognition for the applied research program at Parkland College. This funding will help establish our partnership with Keeseekoose First Nation for the development of the Smart Farm and bring great opportunities for our students and business partners." Says Parkland College Applied Research Coordinator, Gwen Machnee.

Pictured, Gwen Machnee, Applied Research Coordinator for Parkland College, and Chief Lee Kitchemonia, Keeseekoose First Nation.

Chief Lee Kitchemonia of Keeseekoose First Nation stated "This grant is a great opportunity for Keeseekoose First Nation and for our partnership with Parkland College. We are very happy to be able to develop agricultural technologies and train our people to work in this vital industry."

About Keeseekoose First Nation:
The Keeseekoose First Nation is a Saulteaux band located south of Pelly, Saskatchewan. The band is named for Chief Kiishikouse, who signed an adhesion to Treaty 4 at Swan Lake, Manitoba, in 1875. Keeseekoose First Nation has a membership of 2,400 people, it is located on prime agricultural land on the upper Assiniboine River and has a rich history of agriculture. Chief Lee Kitchemonia was elected in 2021. Keeseekoose is a member of the Yorkton Tribal Council.

About Parkland College:
Parkland College is a regional college located in five communities throughout east-central Saskatchewan including Canora, Esterhazy, Fort Qu'Appelle, Kamsack, Melville, and Yorkton. It offers Adult Basic Education, Essential Skills, English as an Additional Language, university programming, firefighting, trades training, college certificates and diplomas in healthcare, agriculture and business, and a range of corporate training options.