“Growing Food. Growing Futures.”

The future has taken root in Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation (SBOFN), Manitoba. On July 24, 2025, CIER, Dauphin Co-op, the Donner Foundation, and Wawanesa Insurance held the grand opening for the first educational community greenhouse in its history.

This community milestone brings all of us a step closer to a future where every child in First Nations across Canada can grow up connected to their food, their culture, and their land. 

In Sandy Bay, that future began this summer, thanks in part to local climate champion, Kateri Hope Roulette.

The SBOFN Community Greenhouse of Hope is a 16- by 28-foot long Tuftex multi-walled panel greenhouse, intricately designed by Dauphin Co-op. The greenhouse is located beside the new community high school, tying it directly into youth education.

The greenhouse will host youth-focused workshops on growing food, traditional teachings, and hands-on skills. It’s not just about planting seeds—it’s about nurturing pride, confidence, and self-determination.

Why does this matter? Because food insecurity is very real. Climate change is happening around us, and Indigenous-led solutions are vital. This greenhouse is small in comparable structure—but it’s a big idea: A model for other Nations, rooted in land, language, and leadership.

In Sandy Bay, a bold little dream is stretching toward the sun, and that dream includes gardening gloves. It’s a love letter to youth, land, and self-reliance. We’re not just growing tomatoes; we’re growing a movement. Together, let’s grow food sovereignty from the ground up.