What is this project about?
The project will result in the development and delivery of GV Academy’s pilot experiential and hands-on Sustainable Building Program (SBP).
The SBP learning program focuses on environmentally friendly & innovative construction methods rooted in traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and Indigenous land stewardship philosophies and building capacity in the clean building sector. It supports a distinct need in many communities (particularly rural and remote communities) for sustainable, affordable, and innovative housing solutions. Of particular consideration in Indigenous communities is that many net-zero methods of home building can be prohibitively expensive (Passive Home, for example) which makes it unattainable for homeowners. Additionally, many tech-driven modalities also pose challenges to rural or remote communities who have challenges shipping prefabricated houses to their communities.
Further, customized programs will be developed for vulnerable populations facing additional barriers to employment: low income families, victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, Indigenous youth, and Indigenous people from remote reserves who will benefit greatly by bringing home much needed housing construction methods that utilize materials easily found on the land, as well as from the exposure to a healthy business and social environment. The Ginawaydaganuc Academy will provide specialized supports and program adaptations that meet specific community needs and work with service organizations as key program consultants in developing specialized curricula.
Topics may include: cordwood masonry, rammed earth walls, strawbale construction, mycelium (mushroom) concrete, emergency dome housing and deployment, solar power, biogas, gray water treatment solutions, solar power, as well as specialized training for Indigenous people from remote communities to take home house construction skills that utilize locally sourced materials.
The learning program will consist of one-month training programs for cohorts of 25 participants. Participants will be given both in-person and virtual training and mentorship in order to prepare them to build capacity within their own communities and within the sustainable building sector. Of importance is that this program is grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being, creating a space that is safe and in alignment with participant’s lived experiences.
Specifically, this project supports the development of the SPB curriculum and training materials.
Why is this project important to the community?
This project is important to not only our community of Almonte, but also Indigenous communities across Ontario and as citizens of the global community. The SBP will not only support Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, businesses, organizations, and social enterprises that are developing ways and materials that will help humanity learn to live in harmony with the environment, it will support climate action initiatives and help all of our communities build a cleaner, greener, and more regenerative tomorrow. This directly aligns with the 7 generations principle, wherein we care for the land today in preparation of the next 7 generations.
This project also helps goals of energy efficient and affordable housing in communities– particularly remote or rural Indigenous communities. Many net-zero methods of home building can be prohibitively expensive (Passive Home, for example) which makes it unattainable for homeowners on-and-off reserve. Additionally, many tech-driven modalities also pose challenges to rural or remote communities who have challenges shipping prefabricated houses to their communities.
