Harvesting Connections: Growing Vegetable Through the Land Of Dreams Project
April-October 2023

 Over the past two years, our association has formed a meaningful partnership with Land Of Dreams, a project in collaboration with the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), centered around cultivating a community garden. This initiative serves as a vital space for Calgary newcomers to reconnect with their roots, build community bonds, and learn about Alberta’s Indigenous heritage. Our involvement in the project has yielded significant growth and positive outcomes, addressing practical needs by cultivating Cameroonian-origin vegetables while fostering cultural exchange and community support. Through hands-on experiences, we educate children about sustainable practices and cultural significance, instilling in them a love for the land and respect for diverse traditions. Our collaboration extends to other organizations involved in the project, creating a network of shared resources and amplifying our collective impact. As we immerse ourselves in the Land Of Dreams project, we embrace Indigenous philosophies of sustainable living, contributing to a transformative journey of cultural exchange, community building, and environmental stewardship.

Attendee Feedback

"Participating in the Land Of Dreams project has been a profound experience for our community. It's heartening to see newcomers embracing our traditions and connecting with the land. This initiative fosters understanding and respect between cultures, paving the way for a more harmonious future. We look forward to continuing this journey together."
First Chief
(Representing Indigenous Community)
"As a member of the Vietnamese community, I've found immense joy in participating in the Land Of Dreams project. It's provided me with a sense of belonging and allowed me to share my agricultural knowledge with others. This initiative celebrates diversity and promotes cross-cultural exchange, enriching our community in meaningful ways."
Member of the Vietnamese Community)
"Being involved in the Land Of Dreams project has been an incredible journey for our Senegalese community. It's provided us with a platform to share our agricultural heritage and connect with others in a meaningful way. The sense of unity and collaboration that this initiative fosters is truly remarkable, and we're grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it."
Member of the Senegalese Community
"At NCIS, we're delighted to be a part of the Land Of Dreams project. It's inspiring to witness newcomers finding solace and connection through gardening and cultural exchange. The sense of community fostered by this initiative is invaluable, and we're excited to see it grow and benefit even more individuals in the future."
Representative from CCIS (Calgary Catholic Immigration Society)

Grow Black African Nightshade Project 2024

Association Famille Baboutcheu-Ngaleu du Canada in Partnership with CCIS (Land of DreamS

1. Project Overview

The Grow Black Nightshade Project was a community-centered initiative aimed at enhancing a sense of cultural connection and improving food security for Calgary's Cameroonian community. Partnering with the Land of Dreams initiative by Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), the project focused on reintroducing Black Nightshade—a nutritious vegetable traditional to Cameroonian cuisine. By offering seed distribution, educational workshops, and community gardening events, this project fostered a unique environment for cultural exchange and growth

2. Project Timeline and Activities

April - Project Initiation
We commenced the project in April with planning meetings to establish clear objectives and responsibilities. Seed procurement and promotional campaigns were launched, utilizing social media, newsletters, and community outreach to build initial interest and participation.

May - Community Engagement
The first workshop and seed distribution occurred in May, where participants learned about Black Nightshade’s cultural significance and effective planting techniques. Volunteer recruitment for event logistics and workshops enabled broader community engagement.

June - Growth and Maintenance
Hands-on planting sessions began in June, with participants setting up both shared and individual plots. Regular check-ins and an additional workshop on soil health and natural pest management sustained community interest as crops began to thrive.

July - Cultural Engagement
A mid-summer cultural event celebrated the project’s progress with Cameroonian music, storytelling, and cuisine. Volunteers took on active roles, which contributed to skill development and leadership within the community.

August - Preparing for Harvest
Harvest preparation workshops in August focused on teaching safe and effective harvesting techniques. Project leaders introduced participants to local gardening resources, fostering sustained involvement beyond the growing season.

September - Harvest and Conclusion
The successful Black Nightshade harvest in September culminated in a community event featuring shared food and stories from the growing season. The project team collected feedback from participants, reflecting high satisfaction and a renewed sense of pride in Cameroonian traditions.

3. Challenges and Solutions

Challenges

  • Limited Initial Awareness: Initial participation was lower due to limited awareness.
  • Seasonal Constraints: Calgary’s short growing season challenged Black Nightshade’s growth, as it typically requires warmer conditions.
  • Resource Limitations: Budget constraints restricted the scale of outreach and incentives.
  • Coordination Complexity: Organizing volunteers for diverse activities increased coordination demands.

Solutions

  • Enhanced Outreach: We intensified social media efforts and leveraged word-of-mouth within the community.
  • Alternative Planting Methods: Future projects could consider using greenhouses or starting seeds indoors to extend the growing season.
  • Resource Optimization: Efficient resource management and volunteer efforts allowed us to stay within budget.

4. Key Outcomes

  • Community Engagement: The project fostered meaningful connections through collaborative gardening, cultural events, and learning activities.
  • Leadership Development: Volunteers and participants developed valuable organizational and communication skills for future community initiatives.
  • Cultural Pride and Inclusion: The project highlighted Cameroonian heritage while promoting cross-cultural appreciation and involvement from diverse backgrounds.
  • Ongoing Community Connections: Participants were linked to gardening clubs, cultural organizations, and other local resources to support their continued engagement.

 

5. Recommendations for Future Projects

  1. Expand Outreach Early: Increasing awareness from the start through partnerships with local organizations and community leaders could boost engagement.
  2. Season Extensions: Greenhouses or indoor planting options could help offset Calgary's shorter growing season.
  3. Enhanced Educational Resources: Offering additional materials like videos or handouts on Black Nightshade cultivation could further engage participants.
  4. Increase Event Frequency: Holding biweekly or monthly events could sustain enthusiasm and address ongoing gardening needs.
  5. Intensify Marketing Efforts: Expanding distribution to wider community circles could increase project visibility and involvement.

7. Gratitude

We extend heartfelt gratitude to Neighbour Grants for their generous support, which enabled the Grow Black Nightshade Project to reconnect our community with Cameroonian heritage, promote sustainability, and empower participants. Special thanks to CCIS for providing land and technical support through the Land of Dreams initiative. Your contributions have not only strengthened community ties and cultural pride but also equipped our members with invaluable skills. We look forward to building upon this foundation and continuing to promote unity and growth within our community.

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