The Living Lab Project is a community – campus – schools project and network which supports eco-cultural restoration, land-based learning and Indigenous resurgence. There are eight principles guiding this work: relevance, respect, reciprocity, reconciliation, responsibility, relationship, restoration, and resurgence. This collective organizes community-driven ecosystem and climate action projects that affirm Indigenous Knowledges, rights, and access to and use of traditional lands and waters. We support capacity building and community engagement in eco-stewardship through land-based learning. Our goal is to focus on the establishment of educational and employment pathways between schools, colleges and universities which support land-based learning, ecological restoration and a new Indigenous-led stewardship program and community of practice within the Capital Regional District (CRD) and the Salish Sea / ṮEṮÁĆES region. Partners on this project include the Greater Victoria School District #61 Indigenous Education, the PEPAKEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation, the W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, Camosun College, and the University of Victoria. Research and knowledge mobilization focus on regional and BC planning, research, policy and governance mechanisms to dismantle systemic barriers to Indigenous land access, traditional land use, sustainable livelihoods, and overall ecosystem health. Dr Castleden and Dr Darcy Mathews are the Academic Co-Leads, and she is a member of the Steering Committee. Contact the HEC Lab if you are interested in learning more and getting involved. Funding: Real Estate Foundation of BC.
