Stein Valley Nlakapamux School’s Agricultural Program

In the 2019-2020 school year, SVNS used their Healthy Schools BC First Nations School Grant to purchase gardening materials and tools to help grow their school farm. They added a large greenhouse, two barns, and several shelters and pastures for the animals (two ponies, two pigs, three goats, and four turkeys). The aim of the agricultural program is to give students a greater appreciation of where their food comes from, encourage food sustainability, and teach students to be strong, independent and self-sufficient. Students help by collecting manure and compost for the garden, planting and maintaining the vegetables, and harvesting the produce for the school meal programs. SVNS plans to expand on their successful farm program by adding another large greenhouse and forty chickens.