To tackle food insecurity in Canadian Indigenous communities, the Enactus team from Saint Mary's University created an aquaponics system that enables isolated communities to grow their own fruits, vegetables and fish year-around.
Their efforts were rewarded on Tuesday, May 9 at the 2017 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where the Saint Mary's team took home the award for 3M Canada Problem Solving Project Partnership Best Project for Aquality Solutions.
"At 3M, we are committed to improving our business, our planet and our everyday lives through science and collaboration," says Liisa Sheldrick, communications and 3Mgives leader, 3M Canada. "We believe that improving every life is a worthwhile pursuit, and projects like this reflect our belief in applying science to improve lives - with our customers, partners and communities."
To date, Enactus Saint Mary's has completed construction of its first solar greenhouse and is currently working toward building a 100 litre aquaponics system. The modular design can be easily scaled and implemented across other communities. Aquality Solutions also provides training to Indigenous peoples, providing them with the skills needed to be successful entrepreneurs and maximize their resources.
The 3M Canada Problem Solving Project Partnership is designed to empower Enactus teams with the resources needed to identify, create and deliver truly innovative projects that address the specific and unique needs and opportunities within Canada.
"Enactus students are innovative problem solvers and, thanks to partners like 3M, are ready to challenge the status quo for the benefit of social good," said Nicole Almond, president of Enactus Canada. Enactus Saint Mary's has a lot to be proud of today and we are excited to share the progressive changes they have made within their community."
Enactus Saint Mary's is a group of innovative students, working together towards one goal, to create positive change for Indigenous peoples.
The 3M Canada Problem Solving Project Partnership was awarded at the 2017 Enactus Canada National Exposition, where more than 1,500 delegates including the country's brightest university and college students, academic professionals and top Canadian CEOs came together to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world.
For competition results during the event, please follow @Enactus_Canada on Twitter. All event results will also be published on enactus.ca/events/national-exposition.
