Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag

Nikibii Dawadinna Giigwag (Flooded Valley Healing - Anishinaabemowin, Manitoulin dialect) is a participatory model for practice that includes the voices of Indigenous youth, and is guided by Elders and Knowledge Keepers (now managed by the John H. Daniels School of Architecture, Landscape and Design, University of Toronto). The initiative provides Indigenous youth with employment opportunities that introduce them to green infrastructure career opportunities, through hands-on ecological learning experiences. The program also aims to address a growing inter-generational gap on traditional knowledge, weaving together cultural teachings and ceremony with self reflection and personal growth. Professional and industry mentors receive Indigenous awareness training prior to involvement, and commit to mentoring and/or financially sponsoring the youth. It has also been recognized as a unique and innovative climate change initiative by Indigenous Services Canada, Health Canada (who has sponsored a case study research project), and the City of Toronto (mentioned for improving Indigenous relations in the Toronto Resilience Strategy).

Sheila initiated the program while at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (working closely with Lucia Piccinni, Project Manager of TRCA’s Bolton Camp, now with Evergreen), and with co-founders Elder Whabagoon and Liat Margolis, University of Toronto, and Fred Martin (then with the Native Canadian Center of Toronto). For information regarding this program, contact Liat Margolis, at liat.margolis@daniels.utoronto.ca.