Two postsecondary institutions—the University of Lethbridge and Lambton College—have announced new collaborations and projects with their Indigenous community partners. The ULethbridge and the Kainai Nation’s Blood Tribe Department of Health have embarked on an initiative named Sokkinakia’pi—“all that has to do with healing or health”—to build on existing Kainai health services by identifying the resources and opportunities they will need over the next decade. Lambton and Aamjiwnaang First Nation have initiated a project focused on biodiversity and the preservation of traditional knowledge. Through this project, Aamjiwnaang will be able to revitalize their land and create pollinator or food and medicine gardens or potentially establish an Indigenous Plant Nursery. It could also serve as a blueprint for addressing biodiversity challenges in other First Nations communities in Ontario. “This project represents a vital step towards reclaiming and revitalizing our land,” said Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain. “It’s an opportunity to ensure our cultural practices endure and benefit future generations.”
