Iga’taqan: A garden rooted in reconciliation and community
Donor support planting seeds of change
On September 29, NSCC’s Institute of Technology (IT) Campus hosted an opening ceremony for Iga’taqan (pronounced i-gaa-da-hgan), the new Reconciliation Community Garden on Campus, to celebrate its first harvest.
Iga’taqan, a Mi’kmaw word meaning “cultivated land” or “garden,” came to life through the power of community. Thanks to a grant from the TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Iga’taqan is a collaborative effort between NSCC, the Native Council of Nova Scotia – Youth Project and the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, with half of its 14 garden beds dedicated to supporting Indigenous food sovereignty.
A space to grow, connect and learn
Iga’taqan is more than a garden. It is a communal space for students, employees and Mi’kmaw communities to grow food and connect, as well as a space to share cultural knowledge and explore ecological and biodiversity practices.
NSCC student and employee volunteers played a hands-on role in bringing Iga’taqan to life, with over 90 volunteers coming together throughout the project. From planting the first seedlings, creating accessible pathways, building the garden beds and harvesting the first crops, Iga’tagan is a community effort.
“This garden is more than soil and seeds, it is a space where reconciliation takes root. In the spirit of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, we honour Indigenous knowledge, stewardship and resilience. We recognize the importance of land not just as a resource, but as a relative—one that nourishes, teaches and connects us.” Shared Denise Pictou Maloney, Senior Advisor, Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Initiatives at NSCC, during the garden’s opening ceremony.
A support for students facing food insecurity
Iga’taqan is an important source of support for student food security at IT Campus, providing fresh produce for initiatives such as Food for Thought and the IT Campus Food Pantry. “Since harvesting in July, the garden has been a tremendous help to our emergency food pantry for students in need that wouldn’t have access to fresh produce,” says Melanie Karas, NSCC Student Services Advisor and Project Implementation Lead for the garden.
“Food security is a right, not a privilege. This garden will help address that need, offering fresh produce, education, and community care. It will be a place where students, Elders, families, and neighbours come together to share, learn, and thrive,” says Denise.
To our donors, partners and supporters
“As students, we often find ourselves wishing for a place to unwind. Many students had mentioned wanting an outdoor space to enjoy, as well as support for food insecurity. The community garden brings both ideas together. On behalf of the students, thank you for giving us this beautiful new space on campus," says Envy Grace, Student Association President, Institute of Technology Campus.
Thank you to TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Native Council of Nova Scotia – Youth Project, the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre and our passionate employee and student volunteers for bringing Iga’taqan to life, supporting actions towards Truth and Reconciliation, and helping NSCC students facing food insecurity.
Iga'taqan, connecting community from start to finish
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