September 4, 2024
In Toronto, Ontario from July 29 to 31, 2024, Kinvia hosted a three-day event for delegates from six partner communities: Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation), Beardy's and Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Red Rock Indian Band (Lake Helen Reserve), Elsipogtog First Nation, Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, and Waywayseecappo First Nation.
This event marked the official launch of the project under the Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Challenge, a pioneering initiative by Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) in partnership with Impact Canada. Over three days, delegates from each community engaged in knowledge sharing by taking part in various workshops and engagement sessions.
Partners from Neyaashiinigmiing (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation), Beardy's and Okemasis’ Cree Nation, Red Rock Indian Band (Lake Helen Reserve), Elsipogtog First Nation, Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, and Waywayseecappo First Nation met to share insights of their current food systems and food security initiatives, the project’s potential impact on youth, the vision for food security, and type 2 diabetes prevention.
Partners writing their thoughts in the pillar exercise to capture the voices of the community.
Questions asked to delegates were on topics surrounding nutrition education and community involvement.
Expressing their stories and traditional teachings ensured that partner and community voices and experiences are at the forefront of the project and its initiatives.
Community members enjoyed the pillar exercise and engaging with one another to share about their community, and learn from each other.
An example of one of the questions and responses in the pillar exercise.
The delegates visited the University of Toronto Scarborough to explore four recently installed growing dome greenhouses.
The delegates posing with a greenhouse, excited to start their own projects in their communities.
Over the next few months, communities will be starting the construction of year-round greenhouses, capable of growing over 350 crop varieties in any climate, 365 days a year. The greenhouses will tackle key barriers to type 2 diabetes prevention such as limited access to affordable, nutrient-dense food and short growing seasons.
The delegates visited the University of Toronto Scarborough to explore four recently installed growing dome greenhouses. Though they were unable to enter the domes, the partners had the chance to observe the construction and various growing structures from the exterior, including hydroponic towers. The visit fostered valuable discussions and excitement that will contribute to the successful implementation of the project carried out in their communities.
As part of the event, the delegates also participated in an interactive exercise to capture the voices of the communities. In small groups, delegates from each partner community shared insights of their current food systems and food security initiatives, the project’s potential impact on youth, the vision for food security, and type 2 diabetes prevention. Expressing their stories and traditional teachings ensured that their voices and experiences of their communities are at the forefront of the project and its initiatives.
