Several years ago, the Shackan Indian Band purchased a small native plant nursery from the Nicola Tribal Association (NTA). However, the location of the nursery did not allow for it to thrive. The band began to relocate the existing greenhouses to a site with easy access to water and with a large enough area to increase the number of greenhouses and to build an office, workshop and retail store in the future.
“Moving and expanding the nursery’s operations will allow us to employ more of our members and strengthen our economy,” said Chief Jordan Joe of the Shackan Indian Band. “Developing a strong business in a larger facility will support our economic opportunities and contribute to the economic resiliency of Shackan and its members.”
$250,000 was approved for the Shackan Nursery expansion through the Economic Diversification Infrastructure program. This will allow for expanded operations at the
nursery to increase production capacity in order to keep up with demand.
Northern Development’s funding will be allocated toward the purchase and installation of two new greenhouses and irrigation systems. The complete project includes site clearing and preparation, site servicing, relocating and recovering the existing greenhouses, installation of two new 600 square metre polycarbonate greenhouses and the purchase of a temporary structure to serve as a bathroom, administrative office and first aid station.
There is significant local demand for cultivation and a growing demand for climate appropriate native plants from landscaping companies, municipalities and the public. Through expansion of the nursery, the band will be able to supply the community with jobs and a source of revenue. Growing and selling native plants will continue to create a resilient economy at Shackan and throughout the Nlaka’pamux Territory.
“There is a steady need for ecological restoration projects and therefore a need for native plants, which we hope to bring to the market,” said Chief Joe. “Through the relocation and expansion of our nursery and greenhouse operations, we will be ableto serve our clients better, create new job opportunities and enhance our community’s economic development.”
