Innovations

Over the years I have lead and contributed to many unique projects relating to Indigenous knowledge. Below are details of a few of those projects.

As an innovator I strive to produce excellence as a contributor as well as leader. Are you thinking of a unique land restoration project in your community? Let me know how I can support the transformation…

Land Restoration 

Over the past 5 years I’ve contributed to and led several land restoration projects that seek to design and grow habitat based on the Indigenous wisdom of a region. Below are a few images related to these projects.

In the process of building 4 – 19×19 square meter gardens.

Designing an implementing an Oak Savannah habitat at Blair Outdoor education centre.

Implementing a 52 meter corn spiral – with tobacco, sunflower, beans, and squash.

The Grand-flower sunflower just before bloom.

Gathering Hearts and Minds to Restore the Land at Conestoga College

Throughout 2018-2019, and after successfully securing a SSHRC grant, I led an initiative at Conestoga College that brought together hundreds of community members to discuss land-based education. Below are a couple of videos that capture some of the connections made with the community.

I’ve been fortunate to make friends with growers, seed savers, conservationists, and edible land scape designers. I’ve carefully studied their work, and have so much more to learn.

 One of my greatest teachers, Tata Oxla’jun N’oj, in reference to his life’s work developing and studying elaborate and complex Calendar’s based on advanced mayan mathematics, once said to me, “Nada de esto es mío Andrés, nada de esto me pertenece, todo pertenece a los ancestros (None of this is mine Andrew, none of this belongs to me, it all belongs to the ancestors).” This work was gifted by the ancestors and to them it will all one day return. I choose to remember… I choose to be humbled…

Blair Outdoor Education Centre (BOEC) Habitat Restoration – 2018 – Present – Project contributor and designer.

Blair outdoor education land restoration design (Aug 15, 2018)

This project occurs at the intersections of Environmental education; Sustainable local food production; Indigenous knowledge revitalization; and, habitat naturalization and restoration. All these are interconnected and intimately tied to a long term visioning.

Implementing the site plan will allow BOEC to establish Indigenous land-based practices for youth throughout the waterloo region. It has begun!

By increasing biodiversity at BOEC an enhanced environmental program can be offered. Improved habitat will attract a diversity of wildlife. Also, by implementing a sustainability plan based in Indigenous knowledges the school board increases its capacity to produce honey, fruit, nuts, and other fresh foods that can be shared within the community in need. 

Check out a video summarizing these activities below:

First Nations history and culture is being taught by Indigenous leaders and helps to foster meaningful relationships within the board. The exchange of Indigenous knowledges amongst students and staff and the revitalization of land also achieves several outcomes of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, and aligns with Canada’s commitments to the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 

The Indigenous Collective – 2016 – Present – Co-Founder.

The Indigenous Collective is an ongoing video series that collaborates with Indigenous artists, musicians, performers, and storytellers in order to celebrate their creativity and vibrancy of life! 

This project was co-founded by Sharad Khare and I in 2016. We have interviewed a number of incredible individuals and even captured the first Indigenous entrepreneurship conference in Canada.

We continue to dream new ways to grow to make the incredible stories of Indigenous leaders come alive!

Please see our interview with award winning scholar Jessie Thistle below:

PROGRAM MAJOR AT FANSHAWE COLLEGE – 2011-2014 – Co-lead.

The First Nations Studies program major at Fanshawe College was the culmination of contributions from many community members. The program was community based and made space for students to enhance their gifts and strengths. As co-developer of the First Nations studies program major at Fanshawe College, my responsibilities included community consultations with 26 organizations, 200+ community members, and regular meetings with various staff, faculty, and Elders.