The Community Citizen Scientist: Garden Stewards in First Nations Northern Ontario

This case study explores the challenges and opportunities Garden Stewards – Community Citizen Scientists - during the implementation and management of the Community Gardens by the Braiding Food Systems (BFS) Project in First nations communities in Northern Ontario. Northern Ontario Indigenous communities, deeply impacted by climate change and economic marginalization, face significant food insecurity due to imposed market-based food systems. The BFS project seeks to address these challenges by revitalizing Indigenous seed use and supporting local food production. Six Garden Stewards, acting as Community Citizen Scientists, collected data on local food production in Pic Mobert, Rocky Bay, and Red Rock during the 2023-2024 growing season. Using the Participatory Citizen Science framework, which includes Learning for Action, Learning in Action, and Learning from Action, the study progressed through three stages: problem framing, research implementation, and impact. Problem framing involved community seed selection, identifying plant adaptability and growing patterns in contextual and unique Northern climates. Research implementation focused on collecting data on watering frequency, pest and disease presence, growing, nutrient deficiencies, and harvest timing. To address challenges, coaching activities and knowledge-sharing workshops were conducted. During Learning in Action, the team collaborated on gardening activities, exchanging insights on cultural practices and plant management for crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. Reflective activities during Learning from Action identified lessons for future growing seasons. In the communities, Garden Stewards act as knowledge keepers, bond the communities, contextualize external knowledge to improve plant resilience and foster land-based practices through storytelling and observation. This participatory approach strengthens cultural identity and social cohesion, promoting well-being and resilience within the communities.