Indigenous Green Infrastructure Training

Earth Tending:
Indigenous Green Infrastructure Training

PAID 6 Week Training Program
DATE: Tuesdays and Thursdays, May 2 to June 8, 2023
PAY: $19/hr
HOURS: 12 hours each week, 9:30am – 4:30pm

NOTE: Tues. morning events are typically held at Toronto’s Carrot Common (348 Danforth Ave., just south of Chester Station), with afternoon and Thurs. events at various GTA locations. TTC fares and travel to sites will be provided. Lunch will also be provided on site visit days.

CANDIDATES (7-10):
• Interested in nature and green infrastructure, and environmental sustainability
• Unemployed or underemployed Indigenous persons
• Must be First Nations, Inuit or Métis and reside within the GTA and also registered or eligible to register with Miziwe Biik Aboriginal Employment and Training

This green infrastructure training program, created and delivered by SpruceLab Inc. (a Toronto social enterprise) is supported with funding from Miziwe Biik, and is designed for unemployed or underemployed Indigenous Peoples living in the Greater Toronto Area. Training will be two days a week from Tues. May 2nd to Thurs. June 8th, 2023, and will begin and end on the land with a Traditional Opening at High Park Nature Centre, Toronto, ON. Seven to ten trainees will gain an introductory understanding of various green infrastructure practices, work experience, and unique skills-based opportunities led by Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts, aiming to braid together Indigenous Knowledge with that of current green infrastructure approaches and best practices.

Educational themes: Ecological restoration and Indigenous cultural keystone species; designing and planting biodiverse native plant gardens; tree and shrub planting and care; urban water cycle, bioretention, raingardens; green roofs; and food production / permaculture.

Indigenous Trainers to date include: Gary Pritchard (4 Directions of Conservation Consulting Services); Carolynne Crawley (Msit No’kmaq); Brad Howie (Conservation Halton); Luana Harper Shirt (Knowledge Keeper and Educator), Denise Miller (Revitalizing Our Sustenance), and Samantha Williams-Barrantes (Toronto Metropolitan University Urban Farm). Training also provided by: ZinCo Canada, ACER (Association for Canadian Educational Resources), Friends of Allan Gardens / Matt Canaran, LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests),
Garden Jane, City Forest, Lorraine Johnson, STEP (Sustainable Technologies Evaluation Program), Native Plants in Claremont, and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association will assist trainees with employment options, additional training, or apprenticeship opportunities suitable to their interests.

Interested candidates are asked to email expressing interest natalie@sprucelab.ca before Fri. March 31, 2023.