Agriculture Research
Growing Food. Strengthening Community. Supporting Sovereignty.
About Our Project
Welcome to Our Community Gardening Initiative
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Located in the heart of Chisasibi, the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI) is spearheading an innovative community gardening project led by Jason Stevens, our dedicated Environmental Sustainability Specialist. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance food sovereignty, promote environmental sustainability, and integrate Cree Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) with modern agricultural practices in our community.
Innovative Agriculture Practices
Our project utilizes advanced agricultural technologies within unique infrastructures like our geodesic dome and double-blown greenhouses. These facilities are designed to withstand the challenging conditions of Zone 1A, enabling us to extend our growing seasons and increase local food production. We emphasize organic methods, avoiding chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers, focusing instead on enriching soil health naturally and sustainably.
Educational Workshops and Community Engagement
Education and community involvement are at the core of our mission. We conduct hands-on workshops that teach community members how to start seeds, transplant seedlings, and understand the importance of soil health. Our workshops are designed for all ages and skill levels, providing opportunities for community members to learn, share, and grow together. From children in local schools to seasoned gardeners, everyone is invited to participate and contribute their knowledge and enthusiasm.
Sustainability and Food Sovereignty
By focusing on sustainable practices and local food production, our project aims to achieve up to 80% food self-sufficiency for Chisasibi. This initiative not only addresses immediate food needs but also fosters long-term environmental and cultural resilience. We are dedicated to nurturing a community that understands and values the importance of growing its food in harmony with nature.
Nurturing Wiichiikansh:The Beginning of Our Agriculture Research
Discovering Wiichiikansh
Wiichiikansh (Hemlock Water Parsnip, Sium suave) is a perennial wildflower found in coastal wetlands influenced by high tides. It plays an important ecological role as a food source for migratory waterfowl and holds cultural significance for the Cree people. Despite producing many seeds, mature plants are rarely seen in the wild.
Growing from Seed
In August 2021, we began experimenting with germinating Wiichiikansh from seed. Seventy-eight seeds from three sources—two from James Bay (traplines CH6 and CH4) and one from Wisconsin—were planted in rock wool and grown indoors under LED lights. James Bay seeds were harvested, dried, and cold-stored before planting.
Key Findings
After about 60 days, seedlings reached roughly 15 cm in height, with a germination rate of 22%. Plants grown with a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium showed stronger root development and better growth than those given only nitrogen or water.
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We also observed differences between varieties: the Wisconsin plants showed distinct morphology, while the James Bay plants were more resistant to aphids. Stable conditions proved essential, as temperatures above 25°C and poor air circulation negatively affected growth.
Looking Ahead
Successfully growing Wiichiikansh from seed is an important step toward understanding and supporting this native species. This work contributes to ecological research and helps sustain cultural knowledge and food systems connected to Cree traditions.
Our Geodesic Dome Greenhouse: A Milestone in CERRI's Journey
Introduction
In late 2023, the Chisasibi Eeyou Resource and Research Institute (CERRI) began an ambitious project to build a geodesic dome greenhouse. Despite delays caused by forest fires, the project was successfully completed and now stands as a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and innovation.
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Why a Geodesic Dome?
The geodesic dome was chosen for its strength and efficiency. Designed to withstand harsh northern conditions, it handles high winds and heavy snow while offering superior insulation. An insulated north wall and plans to maintain indoor temperatures around 10°C will allow for extended growing seasons and greater crop diversity.
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Building the Dome
The structure, sourced from Arctic Acres, was built with support from a project manager at Green Iglu, ensuring best practices throughout construction. The CERRI team gained valuable hands-on experience, strengthening local capacity for future projects.
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A 33-foot diameter was selected—the largest size not requiring a cement foundation. Instead, a compacted gravel ring foundation was used, reducing costs while maintaining durability.
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Community Support and Looking Ahead
This greenhouse reflects strong community involvement and shared commitment to sustainability. Special thanks go to the Elder’s Camp for mulch, wood chips, and composting support, and to Ilana Kunelius for contributing local raspberry plants.
The completed dome marks an important milestone for CERRI, advancing food sovereignty, supporting research, and creating new opportunities for workshops, learning, and community engagement.
A Journey of Growth: From Seed to Harvest at Chisasibi’s Community Greenhouse
Planting the Seeds of Knowledge
Our greenhouse workshops begin with seeding in early April, where participants learn the basics of starting plants and supporting healthy germination. As the plants grow, workshops move into transplanting, teaching when and how to give seedlings the best conditions to thrive, along with essential care and maintenance skills.
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Hands-On Learning: Grow Bed Workshop
On May 9th, about 20 participants gathered in the geodesic dome for a grow bed workshop led by Jason Stevens, with support from summer intern Charles Danis. Despite cold, rainy weather, the group learned how proper drainage and layered materials—woody debris, compost, and organic fertilizers—create healthy soil. The workshop also introduced mycology and the role of mycelium in breaking down organic matter and supporting plant health.
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Celebrating Our First Harvest
Our first harvest of kale and basil marked an exciting milestone for CERRI. Grown using a mix of modern practices and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, the produce was warmly received by the community and quickly taken up at the local Coop—highlighting the value of local, community-grown food.
Join Us
We invite you to join us in growing a greener, more sustainable Chisasibi. Whether through participating in a workshop, volunteering in our greenhouses, or simply learning more about sustainable gardening, there are numerous ways to get involved.
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Leave us your email here to join our mailing list https://forms.gle/1K8ma2mYbCNmc7Ki6
Together, we can cultivate a future where our community thrives on the principles of sustainability, education, and shared cultural heritage.
Growing Together: A Journey in Agriculture
In Chisasibi's harsh northern climate, where each season brings new challenges, Preston Sam and Adam Koperqualuk are redefining what’s possible in food sovereignty. Working within a geodesic dome, they grow and provide farm-to-table produce for their community, teaching others how to cultivate resilience through sustainable, home-grown food.
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This project—rooted in community, tradition, and innovation—goes beyond just planting seeds. With every harvest, Preston and Adam inspire their community to reclaim knowledge, foster self-reliance, and build a sustainable future even in the face of adversity. Their journey, beautifully captured on film by the Wapikoni team, reflects their dedication to both land and community, showing that with determination and shared knowledge, growth can flourish even in the coldest of soils.
Film Credits:
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Producer: Wapikoni
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Writers: Preston Sam, Adam Koperqualuk
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Directors: Preston Sam, Adam Koperqualuk
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Camera: Preston Sam, Wapikoni Mobile team
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Drone: Dante Torio
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Sound Recording: Lindsay Chewanish
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Music: Passion by Veaceslav Draganov
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Editing: Preston Sam, Wapikoni Mobile team
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Subtitles: Wapikoni Mobile team​
Team Mentors and Support
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Filmmaker-Mentors: Ariel St-Louis Lamoureux, Josef Tulane
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Outreach Worker: Imane Makroum
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Assistant Filmmaker: Lindsay Chewanish
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Local Coordinator: Jody House