Since 2022, Focus Forward for Indigenous Youth has proudly partnered with the Ulnooweg Education Centre and The Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Nation in Nova Scotia to deliver a unique, community-driven initiative in the community of Eskasoni—a program that continues to cultivate self-determination, resilience, and cultural resurgence among Indigenous youth.

The multi-year Grow with the Flow program has empowered 44 Indigenous youth through four transformative phases of hands-on agricultural learning. The program is deeply rooted in community values, Mi’kmaw food practices, and the transfer of intergenerational knowledge, fostering meaningful connections between youth and Elders and Knowledge Keepers.

Program Goals: Reclaiming Food Sovereignty and Cultural Knowledge

At its core, Grow with the Flow addresses both food insecurity and the vital need to revitalize Indigenous food systems and land-based knowledge. The program’s structure encourages youth to:

• Understand and value where their food comes from,
• Learn traditional agricultural and preservation practices,
• Reconnect with their culture through storytelling and teachings from Elders,
• Build and maintain community gardens, and
• Explore self-employment opportunities through Indigenous-led agricultural ventures.

By working closely with Elders and Knowledge Keepers of the Mi’kmaw culture, youth learn culturally grounded ways of knowing related to planting, harvesting, and giving back to the land, weaving ancestral wisdom into modern practice.

Youth Spotlight: Jesse’s Journey Through Grow with the Flow

In Jesse’s own words: “I liked the part [of the program about] learning new ways of gardening and [about] my culture and the many [traditional] ways that were forgotten about by some, but I learned and can teach others like I was taught.”

In the summer of 2024, Jesse joined Focus Forward’s Grow with the Flow program eager to deepen his knowledge of growing food and plants. Motivated by a desire to lead a healthier lifestyle and create a better future for the next generations, Jesse approached the program with purpose, heart, and dedication.

From day one, Jesse became a standout participant. He showed exceptional commitment to the community garden—volunteering extra hours, taking initiative to water crops, and ensuring that no food went to waste. His work ethic was matched by his character: Jesse consistently led with kindness, supported his peers, and demonstrated reliability and clear communication.

With aspirations to become a carpenter, Jesse brought valuable skills to the program. Having gained experience working with his family’s carpentry business, he confidently stepped into a leadership role during the construction of eight raised garden beds and trellises. He used the opportunity to both contribute and mentor, guiding others and encouraging their hands-on learning.

Throughout the summer, Jesse played a central role in designing the community garden, as well as planting, tending, and harvesting from both his personal and shared garden plots. He also embraced cultural teachings, participating in traditional practices such as moccasin and ribbon shirt making, canning and dehydrating foods, and an eel fishing night.

Jesse’s journey through Grow with the Flow reflects not only his personal growth and leadership, but also his strong connection to his culture, his community, and the land. He is a shining example of what happens when Indigenous youth are empowered to lead, learn, and thrive.

Since the program, Jesse has been preparing a plan for the use of the community gardens to make the most of the growing season! Jesse will also be joining Grow with the Flow for the 2025 season in a leadership capacity, as an assistant coordinator of the program.

Program Highlights by Phase

This program’s progressive design to sustainable learning nurtured knowledge and skills in a logical and engaging sequence:

Phase 1: Introduction to Careers in Agriculture

10 Youth were introduced to the vast world of agriculture, including both traditional and modern career paths. This initial exposure sparked curiosity, expanded horizons, and laid the foundation for future learning.

Phase 2: Hydroponic Systems, Harvesting & Food Preservation

10 youth engaged with cutting-edge hydroponic technology—learning how to grow food year-round—and practiced vital techniques in harvesting and preserving their yields, strengthening both practical skills and household food security.

“Spending time with amazing people, gardening, and learning something new everyday. The meal plans were amazing and such a blessing to have! Thank you guys so much for being flexible with my child as well.” 

Angelena

Phase 3: Community Garden Construction

This phase brought learning full circle.15 youth applied their knowledge to design, build, and maintain community gardens—a legacy that will nourish Eskasoni for years to come. These living, growing spaces became not just food sources, but symbols of self-determination.

Phase 4: Farmer’s Market Launch (upcoming!)

This final phase will deliver a full farm-to-table experience, giving participants ownership of the entire agricultural cycle—from preparing the soil to selling their harvest to the public.

Equipping Youth with Lifelong Skills

Beyond agricultural knowledge, the program delivered comprehensive workplace safety and employment readiness training. Every participant gained certifications and life skills essential for thriving in any professional environment:

• Safety Training: Health & Safety, WHMIS, Food Safety, and Tool Safety
• Employment Readiness: communication, money management, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, and resume writing

This holistic approach ensures that youth leave the program not just inspired—but equipped to pursue meaningful employment and leadership in their communities and beyond.

The success of Grow with the Flow in Eskasoni is more than a local achievement—it’s a model of action through community-led partnerships and demonstrates how culturally grounded programming can empower youth to reclaim food systems, pursue meaningful careers, and strengthen community resilience.

As Focus Forward for Indigenous Youth and Ulnooweg Education Centre look to the future, the impact of this initiative will continue to grow—harvest by harvest, leader by leader, and story by story.