1. The question you asked after the panel discussion (10 marks) 

Participation in community gardens often requires membership and plot fees as well as required volunteer hours. What strategies have you considered to overcome potential financial barriers to the cost of plots for those who are unable to afford the cost and likely more vulnerable to consuming non-perishable food?

2. How did you feel it was answered by (10 marks) 

Brenna provided a well-informed and thoughtful response, backed by evidence that the FHNA (First Nations Health Authority) offers grants to cover garden plot costs for those who cannot pay. Brenna also raised the important point that charging for garden plots is counterintuitive, given that many Indigenous people in northern areas already struggle with food insecurity due to the high cost of food and limited accessibility to affordable fresh produce.

3. What went well? (5 marks) 

Brenna delivered an engaging and informative presentation on greenhouses and community gardens that was both clear and easy to follow. Her speech was well-paced, and the slides were designed with minimal text, making them readable while illustrating pictures of various projects. The presentation demonstrated an impressive depth of knowledge about current greenhouse and growing projects across northern territories, providing practical insights and a comprehensive overview of ongoing initiatives in the region.

4. What can be done better? Identify 2 or more areas of improvements (10 marks)

While the presentation offered a wealth of information about greenhouse and growing projects in northern communities, it would have benefited from a more detailed discussion about solutions at the local level in Whitehorse. Although general approaches and successes were highlighted, specific plans or strategies for implementation and feasibility within Whitehorse were not addressed, leaving questions about how the initiatives might take shape in this community. The topic of engaging Indigenous populations was raised, but the process of involvement and whether these efforts are occurring in Whitehorse were unclear.

5. What can be done to improve? (Provide 3 or more suggestions for improvement). (15 marks) 

  1. Although some discussion was provided regarding potential organization and management of the greenhouses, further discussion would be beneficial, providing specific examples outlying these strategies and justification to why this approach is likely to be effective.
  2. Further investigation could focus on exploring project feasibility, and estimating the annual operating costs of an established greenhouse for your solution. What are the ongoing expenses? What are the costs associated with water, electricity, solar power, and soil? How are the greenhouses maintained to ensure continuous production?
  3. It was mentioned that Indigenous communities are part of implementing new projects, yet it was not specified whether the Whitehorse model is exclusively Indigenous-led or structured as a collaborative effort involving the territorial government and other stakeholders. How will you develop and maintain these relationships with Indigenous communities?