A Surrey student project to sustainably garden and incorporate Indigenous teachings has now expanded.
Katzie Elementary's outdoor garden has received a grant to expand the Indigenous-led project to allow more students to participate. In partnership with the Katzie First Nation, students from the school have planted Indigenous wildflowers, reads a release from Plant a Seed and See What Grows Foundation, which provided the school with a $3,000 grant.
Now with eight more self-watering garden beds, four more classes at Katzie are able to participate in the project.
"This meaningful collaboration supports local biodiversity and introduces students to traditional ecological knowledge, fostering environmental stewardship and cultural understanding," the release goes on to say.
"The wildflower planting complements the school’s broader garden efforts, which also include a variety of edible food crops and trees. Together, these projects provide students with valuable outdoor learning experiences that connect them to the land, sustainability practices, and community partnerships."
The project has also allowed students to learn about plants from different cultures, such as edible ones.
“The school has already seen positive impacts from this garden,” Grade 7 teacher Zubin Haveliwalla said.
“We’ve observed students making healthier choices that support their physical, emotional, and mental well-being. They’re also learning about food security, environmental sustainability and developing a deeper connection to the school and land.”
