Led by Jessica Riquetti, Squamish, BC
Squamish Climate Action Network, Squamish, BC.
MARD collaborators: Sofie Keller, Sarah Muir-Smith, Charlie Whinney, Maki Obara, Sherry Perrault, Hannah Ogahara, Francesca Baur, Alyson Tobin
These short-term research initiatives provide a unique opportunity for participants to engage in co-research, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. By participating in these research projects, students and alumni gain hands-on experience, expand their professional networks, and contribute to meaningful solutions that promote regeneration and resilience.
The course not only enhances learning but also reinforces MARD’s commitment to fostering a community of practice dedicated to designing a regenerative future. This research serves as a bridge between academia and real-world applications, enabling alumni and students to work together while also engaging with partners from around the globe.
A multi-species garden and pedagogical design. How do we demonstrate to kids that everything is interconnected?
MARD and Jessica Riquetti and Squamish Climate Action Network in B.C. Canada have joined together in a short design sprint to design and research a local regenerative school garden.
The mission of the Nonprofit Squamish CAN, is to strive to empower our community with just and actionable solutions to the climate crisis through education, policy development and systems change. In support of these goals we are engaging with the students, parents and staff for input on the needs and inspiration to be considered in the garden design. This design will connect across cultures and require collaborative design practice with diverse stakeholders.
Squamish Elementary School is based in Squamish, BC. The Squamish Climate Action Network currently runs a school farm as well as an indigenous garden on school grounds. This will be an adjacent learning garden built for use and enjoyment by the students and community.
Squamish lies ca. 60 km North of Vancouver on the traditional territories of the Squamish Nation, Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh Úxwumixw , who since time immemorial have cared for the lands and waters, passing down ancient wisdom through many generations. Their rich and resilient culture is layered with oral stories, plant knowledge, vibrant artwork, language inspired by the land, and stewardship. Squamish is an English adaptation of the Indigenous word, Sḵwxw̱ ú7mesh. Loosely translated, it means “Mother of the Wind” and “people of the sacred water”.
Located at the end of a dramatic fjord, Squamish is at the confluence of the vibrant turquoise waters of Howe Sound, Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region and the rugged Coast Mountain range that leads to Whistler. Steeped in Indigenous culture and influenced by settler industries like mining, logging, and farming, the land and community of Squamish has been shaped by many generations of people with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Over the last few hundred years, settlers have woven their own stories into the fabric of the community. Squamish roots run deep, from the arrival of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway to strong ties with logging, mining and farming that have shaped the city.
Together with our students and alumni we are developing research and regenerative considerations for this project that is build in spring 2025.