Small to medium-sized scale greenhouse solutions for Indigenous communities

Small to medium-sized greenhouses come with unique considerations for setup and ongoing care. These resources were created by Indigenous people, for Indigenous communities to support those growing food to nourish their people through sharing, trading, or selling. Rooted in Indigenous knowledge and values, they reflect a commitment to sustainability, self-determination, and community well-being.

Greenhouse Checklist: Essential Considerations for the Purchase and Operation of Community Greenhouses

This Greenhouse checklist (fillable PDF, 1.7 MB) consists of a series of self-assessment questions, with related information and tips covering key considerations when planning to purchase, build, and ultimately operate a small to medium-sized greenhouse.

Small-Scale Greenhouse Training Guide for Indigenous Communities in British Columbia

Greenhouse farming involves growing crops in protected environments to enhance growing conditions and improve yields. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, greenhouse systems offer a more reliable and resilient approach to food production. When effectively managed, greenhouses can extend the growing season, improve crop quality, and increase overall harvests.

For Indigenous communities, greenhouse farming can be a powerful tool in reclaiming and revitalizing food sovereignty. By integrating greenhouse operations into broader community strategies, it becomes possible to strengthen local food systems in ways that will be explored throughout this document. This training program manual has been created specifically to support small-scale greenhouses.

• Small Scale Greenhouse Training Guide (PDF, 3.4 MB)

 

 

Stories from other communities

 

In this inspiring video, we explore how Sts'ailes First Nation is leading the way in Indigenous food sovereignty by reconnecting with traditional foods and whole, healthy meals for their people. What started as an idea for a greenhouse and garden has evolved into a larger food sovereignty initiative, supported by workshops and community engagement. The initiative, backed by the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Program, empowers the community to care for the land, produce fresh foods, and bring traditional foods to local businesses. Watch how Sts'ailes is cultivating a future where food, land, and people are deeply intertwined.

 

 

With support from the Indigenous Food Security and Sovereignty Grant, Tsawwassen First Nation is strengthening its local food system by building a greenhouse that supports year-round food production for the community. This project highlights the power of growing food within your Nation—ensuring members have access to fresh, healthy, and culturally relevant food, while also creating opportunities for education and self-sufficiency. As shared in the video, one key tip when starting a greenhouse is to consider a soil-based design. Having a solid soil base lets you plant directly into the ground, improving long-term sustainability and supporting healthier crops. Learn more about how this project is reconnecting people to land, food, and community leadership.

Other ministry links of interest

• Greenhouse floriculture - Province of British Columbia
• Greenhouse vegetables - Province of British Columbia
• Greenhouse vegetable and floriculture crops - insects and plant diseases- Province of British Columbia
• Agrifood business management - Province of British Columbia
• Running an agrifood or farm business - Province of British Columbia
• Market readiness - Province of British Columbia

Contact us

To learn more about these resources or to access the B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service email us at  IndigenousFoodSystems@gov.bc.ca or call 236-426-5024.