Toronto’s Domes Connect Indigenous Knowledge, Community, and Entrepreneurship

The University of Toronto Scarborough has unveiled four massive domes near its tennis courts that are not just for show – they are high-tech greenhouses designed to support the Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Garden Project. These domes, each 24 feet in diameter, are equipped with solar panels, irrigation systems, and geothermal tubes that run deep underground.

The project, spearheaded by business leader Jonathon Araujo Redbird from Saugeen First Nation, aims to provide hands-on learning opportunities for Indigenous youth and community members. The initiative includes Indigenous Entrepreneurship Workshops starting this September, which will focus on connecting Indigenous knowledge, community, and entrepreneurship.

The domes are themed around the medicine wheel, symbolizing balance and well-being. Each dome will serve a specific purpose, from growing crops that support wellness to experimenting with agriculture technologies. The goal is to empower Indigenous people by teaching entrepreneurship through agriculture and providing sustainable sources of income.

Redbird, who grew up in Scarborough, understands the challenges Indigenous people face in urban settings. He believes that entrepreneurial thinking, combined with traditional Indigenous knowledge, can help build intergenerational wealth and connection to the land.

The project has received support from various academic departments and community members, who are encouraged to share their ideas for the domes’ layouts and uses. The domes are set to be self-sustaining and accessible to all, reflecting a commitment to community engagement and empowerment.