Ne’ata’q is a project of Lunenburg Food Forest Society, a registered non-profit organization in Nova Scotia.

Vision

Ne’ata’q The Food Forest at Bluenose Academy is an inclusive regenerative space where people can learn, play, eat, and connect with each other and the natural world.

Mission

To provide local healthy food, environmental stewardship, community connection, and inclusive, culturally responsive, experiential learning opportunities for the communities of Bluenose Academy and the Lunenburg area.

Values

Our project is grounded in the Mi’kmaq concept of Netukulimk (neh-doo-goo-limgp) which guides our sustainability. We value: Respect, Learning, Reciprocity and Inclusiveness or M’sit No’kmaq (“All my relations”). Approach: Our project strives to practice Etuaptmumk (eh-doo-ahp-duh-mumk) or Two-Eyed Seeing. This refers to learning to see with the strengths of both Indigenous and Western knowledge and ways of knowing.

Our Story

The food forest began as an idea in 2021. Community volunteers and Bluenose Academy formed a partnership in 2022 to design a space that would meet the needs of the school and broader community. We decided to begin with naturalization of the mowed lawn “bus loop” area, approximately 10,000 square feet on school grounds. Thanks to amazing support from local community members, businesses and organizations, we officially launched the project, planting our first pear tree, in May of 2023.

2023 – Our First Growing Season

In the spring and summer of 2023, we began development of the forest. We planted a dozen fruit and nut tree guilds. Students and community members participated in all steps, from measuring and staking the ground, to hauling seaweed, to planting trees and shrubs. Benches and tables were built by Grade 9 students. In the fall, we began creating a “tiny Wabanaki forest” (also known as an Acadian forest) next to the fruit and nut orchard.

Learn more in our 2023 Annual Report

2024 – Our Second Growing Season

Check out our 2024 Annual Report