Metlakatla Nation Opens A Community Greenhouse

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Metlakatla Nation’s community greenhouse opened today, allowing the coastal community to harvest homegrown fresh produce year-round. The Metlakatla Governing Council identified the development of the greenhouse as a priority for the community, given their geographical isolation in Northern British Columbia. The greenhouse is centrally located, and was designed with the needs of the entire community in mind.

The Prince Rupert Port Authority is pleased to have contributed half of the $93,246 capital cost of Metlakatla’s Greenhouse Project through its Community Investment Fund, and is confident the greenhouse will have lasting health and wellness benefits for the community.

“This project not only enables residents of Metlakatla to produce their own healthy food supply, but it provides a means of allowing access to fresh, healthy produce for our youth, elders and community celebrations for generations to come,” said Harold Leighton, Metlakatla Chief Councillor. “We recognize and greatly appreciate the financial contribution of the Port of Prince Rupert to make the goal of a fully functioning greenhouse in Metlakatla a reality.”

The greenhouse initiative contributes to Metlakatla’s community health plan—food preservation and preparation workshops will be hosted in the community kitchens. The spacious greenhouse structure has been planted with root vegetables and above-ground plants.

“We’re fortunate to be surrounded by a pristine environment that provides an abundance of natural, renewable food sources,” said Maynard Angus, Manager of Aboriginal Affairs for the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “However, our geography limits the ability to source fresh, affordable produce, and we’re pleased to assist the people of Metlakatla Nation with this community investment to continue improving their collective quality of life.”