Farming and Agriculture at the Chisasibi Farmland

Introduction

For my work assignment with CERRI and the Cree Nation of Chisasibi, I visited the Chisasibi farmland to document the agriculture project. The main goal of the work was to improve the sandy soil so that it can support stronger plant growth and more local food production for the community.

This project connects to food security, food sovereignty, and Miyupimaatisiiun - living well. Growing more food locally can strengthen community knowledge, reduce dependence on expensive store-bought food, and create opportunities for youth and future generations to learn from the land.

Project focus: improving sandy soil with compost, learning safe equipment use, and documenting community-based agriculture.

What We Did at the Farmland

Figure 1. A prepared path across the sandy farmland after compost spreading.

Our team worked with a tractor and a Wallenstein MX80P spreader supplied by Knek. The spreader was used to distribute Seafood Compost, labelled Compost de Fruits de Mer 0.30-0.15-0.30, across the sandy ground. As the tractor moved through the field, the machine released the dark compost in long, even rows.

The compost will be mixed into the sand to increase the amount of organic material in the soil. This preparation is important because sandy soil drains quickly and may not hold enough moisture or nutrients for healthy crops. Adding compost can help create better growing conditions before planting begins.

Figure 2. A closer view of the compost row beside the tractor path

Before starting the work, the team walked through the field, observed the areas that had already been prepared, and discussed what still needed to be completed. This helped everyone understand the size of the project and how the equipment would move safely across the farmland.

Seafood Compost - Why We Use It

The bags used by the team were labelled Seafood Compost / Compost de Fruits de Mer. This material contains organic matter and marine-based nutrients that can support soil improvement. For the sandy conditions at the Chisasibi farmland, compost can help the soil retain more moisture and provide nutrients that plants need for growth.

Using compost also supports a more sustainable approach to soil care. It returns organic material to the land and can reduce the need to rely only on chemical fertilizers. The team had to open, lift, and empty many bags into the spreader, which required cooperation and steady physical effort.

Figure 3. Team members loading Seafood Compost into the spreader. Figure 4. Bags of Seafood Compost ready for use at the farmland.

This stage of the work showed that successful farming begins before seeds are planted. Soil preparation, material handling, and careful planning all help create the foundation for future crops.

Equipment Training, Safety, and Teamwork

The spreader was an important part of the hands-on training. Team members inspected the machine, checked its moving parts, and made sure it was properly connected to the tractor before fieldwork continued. Following instructions was necessary because the equipment is heavy and must be used carefully.

Everyone contributed in a different way. Some people loaded the compost bags, some checked the spreader, and others helped with the tractor connection or observed the field. Communication and cooperation made the work more organized and helped the team complete each step safely.

Figure 5. Inspecting and adjusting the Knek spreader before use. Figure 6. Connecting the tractor and spreader through teamwork.

Working around agricultural machinery also taught me the importance of patience, responsibility, and attention to detail. A small mistake can affect safety or how evenly the compost is spread, so every person needs to stay focused and respect the worksite rules.

What I Learned

I learned how to work as part of a team at the farmland, how to organize and manage the compost bags, how to load the spreader safely, and how the tractor distributes compost across a large area. I also learned that agricultural work can be physically demanding, especially in hot weather, but every task contributes to a larger community goal.

Taking photographs was part of my responsibility. The images document the condition of the field, the equipment, the materials, and the teamwork involved. Photography helps explain the project to community members who may not have been present at the farmland.

Figure 7. Team members walking toward the tractor during community farmland work. Figure 8. A wide view of the farmland being prepared for planting.

Why This Matters for CERRI and CNC

This farming project matters because it combines northern agriculture, community research, practical training, and food security. By documenting how sandy soil is improved with compost, CERRI and CNC can build knowledge that may also be useful to other Cree communities facing similar growing conditions.

Producing more food locally can provide healthier options, reduce some dependence on costly imported food, and reconnect people with land-based learning. It can also create future opportunities for training, employment, research, and community participation in agriculture throughout Eeyou Istchee.

Conclusion

For this blog assignment, I documented the farming work taking place at the Chisasibi farmland. I photographed the tractor, the Seafood Compost, the spreader, and the team working together. The experience helped me understand that agriculture is not only about planting and harvesting; it also requires soil preparation, safe equipment use, planning, communication, and respect for the land.

This blog helps show the community what is being done at the farmland and why the work is important for the future. A useful next step will be to continue documenting the project after planting, including how the soil changes and how the crops grow over time.

All photographs taken by Randolph Martin.