​​Did you know?

Our region's ecosystem, mashkode (tall-grass prairie), is the planet's most endangered and least protected ecosystem.  This is a result of colonization and European settlement. Perceptions of land use and value changed rapidly, converting grassland to agriculture and oppressing Indigenous worldviews and ways of life. The tall-grass prairie has been reduced to less than 1% of its former extent in less than 200 years.

Action Description

​​This is a partnership between SOSD schools and Ozhaawashkwaa Animikii-Bineshi Aki Onji Kinimaagae’ Inun. When students visit us, they witness the conservation of a small remnant prairie, the restoration of tall-grass prairie over 35 acres, as well as a restored wetland or prairie pothole. They harvest Indigenous plant seeds, sow them, and transplant live plants into medicine gardens, model grasslands, and restored areas. These actions can continue when visitors leave.

We support students to restore the tall-grass prairie, the planet's most endangered ecosystem, on their schoolyards utilizing Indigenous plants we have grown from seeds harvested on-site​. We aim to foster land-based learning and action at school to deepen our connections to the land, our shared histories, and to Indigenous worldviews of living together well.

Through this project/commitment, students will enhance biodiversity and soil health, re-create habits for pollinators and birds, grow and learn about medicines for school smudging, and learn from both Indigenous and western knowledge systems.  Well tended restorations will offer opportunities to harvest seeds and medicines, and to share plants and knowledge with community members while building personal relationships with the Land and each other.​

Interested in participating? 

Here's what you need to do first:​

• This action project is available only to schools in Seven Oaks School Division. IF you are looking for a plant donation, please email alexis.nazeravich@7oaks.org
  
• Read the Eco-Cultural Action Project Description, Eligibility, & Impact h​e​r​e​​​​.
  
• ​When you have read the full description and eligibility criteria and are ready to apply, click the link within the above document or ​​connect with Alexis (alexis.nazeravich@7oaks.org)