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What is this project about?
The project will provide Indigenous high school students with hands-on opportunities to learn about gardening, food growing, greenhouse operations, sustainability, and land-based skills in DFC's greenhouse and garden spaces. During the school year, students will participate in after-school programming where they will help plant, grow, maintain, and harvest vegetables, herbs, flowers, and other plants while developing practical skills and confidence.
A key component of the project is extending these opportunities beyond the school year. Funding will allow DFC to provide paid summer employment opportunities for students who may otherwise face barriers to finding meaningful summer work. Youth employees will take responsibility for maintaining the greenhouse and gardens throughout the summer, including watering, planting, harvesting, general maintenance, and preparing the greenhouse for the following school year.
The project creates continuity between education, after-school programming, employment, and community connection while giving young people meaningful responsibility and the opportunity to see the results of their work grow throughout the season.
Why is this project important to the community?
DFC serves Indigenous students from remote First Nation communities across Northern Ontario who relocate to Thunder Bay to attend high school. For many students, this means leaving their families, home communities, and familiar support systems at a young age.
Creating meaningful opportunities outside regular classroom hours is an important part of supporting students while they are living and learning away from home. The Growing Futures project will create a welcoming, hands-on environment where students can build relationships, develop practical skills, spend time outdoors, and experience the accomplishment that comes from caring for something and watching it grow.
The summer component addresses another important need. Youth can face barriers to obtaining summer employment and opportunities to develop workplace experience. By creating paid positions connected directly to the greenhouse, DFC can provide students with meaningful employment, mentorship, responsibility, and transferable skills while ensuring the greenhouse and gardens continue to thrive when school is not in session.
Target Completion Date
October 31, 2028
Location
315 Edward Street North
Thunder Bay
P7C4P3