2024 Progress Report
The Land We Are On
The Gottingen Street Neighbourhood Shop and Every One Every Day Kjipuktuk / Halifax (EOED) exists in Halifax North, which is situated on Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. Oral histories, supported by written evidence and artifacts, tell us that the Mi’kmaq have occupied this territory for over 13,000 years.
Mi’kma’ki is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship, which the Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, and Peskotomuhkatiyik Peoples first signed with the British in 1726. These treaties did not implicate or affirm the surrender or transfer of lands and resources to the British but recognized Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey title and set the rules for what was to be a long-standing relationship between nations, initially preventing war and facilitating trade.
For the Mi’kmaq, these treaties are revered as legal covenants. These sacred pacts are the foundation of Mi’kmaq—Euro-Canadian government relations and we all, as treaty people, must recognize and appreciate their legitimacy if we are to truly acknowledge the presence of the Mi’kmaq— past, present, and into the future.
Photos, left to right: A beaded orange t-shirt pin, resident Kendall shows off their finishing talking stick, handmade soaps, neighbours paint a medicine wheel during the National Day for Truth and Reconciliaction, host Stacey presents about migrant worker rights, a shirt dyed during Spring 2024.
This land acknowledgment is a commitment to build upon as we recognize that such statements are inconsequential without meaningful action toward reconciliation.
The spirit of reconciliation is in relationships. We must nurture the spirit.
Msit no’kmaq is a Mi’kmaw term meaning, “All my relations”. It signifies a respect for the interconnectedness that exists among us, with our surrounding environment, and with the sacredness of Mother Earth and all the gifts of creation.
We invite all our partners and contributors to consider Msit no’kmaq as we move forward together in creating healthy and sustainable communities that support an ecosystem of participation and foster mutual respect and understanding.
Photos, top to bottom: cutting onions at the Neighbourhood Shop, 'Mindful Release' with longtime host Charlene, outside the Neighbourhood Shop, neighbours teach each other how to crochet, tracing paths with string during 'Web of Experience,' Spring 2024.
Introduction
Every One Every Day (EOED) Kjipuktuk/Halifax is a Reconciliation Initiative of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) that is working to develop a system of neighbourhood participation that builds social cohesion and resilience and invites learning and action around Truth & Reconciliation at the neighbourhood level. To date, we have worked to build a network of infrastructure, including a Neighbourhood Shop in the North End of Halifax, which is supporting a growing network of practical participation projects. Every One Every Day projects are all about creating opportunities for residents to connect and learn over shared interests and work together to shape civic and social spaces in ways that draw on the knowledge and skills of people living nearby.
Every One Every Day takes a platform approach to building participation culture at the neighbourhood scale. The Support Platform combines three inter-connected elements:
1. A Network of Spaces: Intentionally designed neighbourhood spaces act as incubators for neighbourhood-based project development. They include the Every One Every Day Neighbourhood Shop and Community Build Trailer, as well as other publicly accessible spaces that are versatile in function and contribute to the many and varied ways that residents can participate.
2. A Team of Skilled Project Designers: specially trained in inclusive project design principles and models of collaboration. They have skill sets that include working with people, hosting spaces, co-designing projects and programs, and co-delivering activities and events.
3. Access to Tools & Resources: Open access to equipment, tools and resources needed to deliver the ideas that are emerging from co-design.
Together, these elements create the conditions for an emerging Participation Ecosystem - a
constantly evolving set of project ideas and activities that are continuously being designed, tested, grown, paused, or replicated.
The Participation Ecosystem is much like a natural ecosystem, reflecting the sum of diverse and distinct parts that are inter-connected, fluid, and constantly evolving. These ecosystem properties are developed through a design approach centered on 18 Design Principles and 6 Reconciliation Guideposts.
This design approach aims to ensure that the ecosystem is open to the greatest possible diversity of residents, invites a constant stream of new ideas, perspectives, and skills, and is continually changing through the scope and possibility of the process.
Background
In the Winter of 2021, Every One Every Day Kjipuktuk-Halifax (EOED) launched as a pilot initiative, inspired by the work of Participatory City (PC) in London UK. With over 10+ years of research, PC worked to document their approach to building inclusive participation culture at the scale of neighbourhoods, informing one of the largest neighbourhood demonstration projects in the world.
Learning from the work that had emerged in East London, Every One Every Day Kjipuktuk aims to demonstrate an approach to neighbourhood and city building that could center reconciliation in the design of civic and social infrastructure. Its development is aligned with the vision of the new Wije’winen Centre, and centers on the unique and transformative opportunity for engaged reconciliation; Where meaningful and inclusive participation can seed opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous residents to learn and build relationships and create the conditions for living and learning together in new ways.
Connection and Creativity
Many of the themes previously captured through program evaluation continued through the programs of 2024. Not only do we continue to see these themes appearing in program, data from this past year highlights how some of these themes have expanded, including the themes of Connection and Extended Engagement. 2024 also saw the emergence of new and exciting themes, in particular Multi-generational Joy. All 2024 programs saw an increase in participation from children, youth, and families. These new visitors were engaging in sessions, mingling with their neighbours, and utilizing the space and amenities of the EOED shop.
The Every One Every Day Neighbourhood Shop and program continue to facilitate community connections. This past year saw meaningful connection on 3 levels: between residents; between residents and EOED staff; and between EOED and community organizations and businesses.
“My favorite part of the session was engaging with the community, seeing everyone connecting and trying something new. I had a great first experience, and can't wait to host again”
–Elias Clarke, First Time Host
3 Levels of Connection
Resident to Resident
More and more, we are seeing residents entering the space and immediately connecting with their
Left: Residents work on sewing at the Shop during "Pants to Pouch," Fall 2024.
Above: Elias Clarke leads "Seed Paper Making," Summer 2024, "Worm Composting" with the Discovery Centre in Spring 2024, "Mono Printmaking" in Spring 2024
neighbours. People who, not so long ago, were strangers now greet each other with a smile and a hug. This year, we heard stories from residents about meeting up with their neighbours outside the Shop, in both planned gatherings and accidental run ins.
Residents to Staff
The staff at EOED are the backbone of not only the programming, but the impact on community. The Neighbourhood Project Design team continued to build relationships, safety, and confidence amongst residents this year. The strength of these connections, and their ripples into the wider community are highlighted by the residents and hosts themselves.
"I had a great experience and learned how I can hone in on the need with more focus and intention next time. It was good to offer a more general workshop about connecting with inner visions and passions, and next time I can see how I would create more space and time for actually jamming / writing / workshopping song ideas, possibly using break out groups. The EOED team was a delight to work with.”
–George Woodhouse, Fall Program session host.
EOED to Community Organizations and Businesses
Many new community partners emerged over the last 13 moons, while relationships with existing partners like OSO planning + design strengthened.
One particularly robust new partnership is with the George Dixon Community Garden (GDCG), a community initiative which approached EOED to help build relationships, capacity, and infrastructure with their group. With the help of OSO planning + design, our Community Build Trailer (CBT), and diligent participatory design with the GDCG, this year saw the planning, building, and installment of community led and designed projects for the community garden. For a more in depth look into this story see page 24.
The most well attended session of the year also flowered from the relationship between EOED and a local organization, in this case the Nova Scotian Korean Language and Culture Center (NSKo). NSKo fully threw themselves into hosting, decorating our entire space, stopping by for crafting sessions to make some decorations, and creating a multitude of activities for the session.
“I absolutely loved designing and visioning the event with EOED! We appreciate all the support that EOED has given us and we can’t wait to plan more sessions with EOED next spring! Thank you so much for all the support, enthusiasm and love! See you in the spring!”
–Alex Oh, NSKo Coordinator
The passion from the hosting team from NSKo translated to participants of the session, leading to EOED’s busiest day of the year! The session served to strengthen our working relationship with NSKo, at the individual and organizational levels. More sessions and continued partnering with NSKo is in EOED’s future!
Photos, top to bottom: Elias Clarke during "Pants to Pouch," working at the George Dixon Community Garden, photos from "Meet the Korean Ghosts," The Community Build Trailer, pins and a painted stone made at EOED, taking photos and "Meet the Korean Ghosts," seeds donated by Halifax Seed.
Extended Engagement
Continuing from previous evaluation, the theme of meaningful engagement emerged strong once again for the 2024 programs, culminating in continued work and stories being shared by residents beyond the session hours and shop walls. At EOED, we are lucky to be able to see and evaluate what happens during our program and sessions in the Shop. Over the past year, as EOED has expanded its capacity and deepened its understanding, we’ve begun tracking residents' experiences beyond the doors of our Shop. This allows us to gain valuable insights into how the work done within the Shop and through our programs resonates and creates ripples throughout the community. This active prolonged engagement shows
how relationships between residents strengthen outside of program. It shows that the members of the North End community are interested and engaged in learning about the history of Kjipuktuk. Ultimately, it shows that our goal of social cohesion is being achieved at the local, individual level.
Throughout the year, Truth and Reconciliation focused sessions continued to be some of the most well attended. Moreover, these sessions saw the most continued engagement after the end of the initial session time. The Land Acknowledgment session from the Fall Program was particularly exciting and engaging. Participants were encouraged to write their own Land Acknowledgments as they learned about the local history and reflected on what values they held.
Photos, top to bottom: Materials for writing a land acknowledgment, Residents chat during "Land Acknowledgments," Fall 2024, an image of writing music used to promote a songwriting session, Threaded Together participants work with patterns.
Following this session, the host, Tammy Williams from the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center, received a flood of emails from session attendees. Over half of the participants continued crafting their Land Acknowledgments after the session and were reaching out to seek Tammy’s wisdom or share what they had written with her.
A songwriting session, also from Fall Program, provided a glimpse into how the relationships built between neighbours during sessions can extend beyond the shop. Participants from this session continued to engage with each other via an email chain with the host, George Woodhouse. During the session, the group shared stories and eventually wrote a song together. George, the host, sent out an email post session, stating, in part:
“Good evening everyone, Thank you again for participating in today's session at Every One Every Day. Thank you for your vulnerability and your joy. You have a song in yer heart. On my way back to the vehicle I came upon a Desire Line while singing our new song... it was a beautiful moment. I'll think of our band and our song whenever I come to one in any city. [...] Please keep in touch! All the visible emails consented to having their email shared so don't hesitate to reach out to any of us anytime or to use this email thread!”
– Excerpt from emails
Many participants, did in fact, take up the offer to use the email chain. Neighbours shared their favorite songs, built a YouTube playlist, shared their own band’s music, and much more. Throughout the email chain, participants' love and support for one another really shone through.
“I am jamming to your band's music right now. Just WOW... these songs are JAMS and the music videos are stunning.” One resident wrote to another participant. The email chain remained active for over a week post session and still will occasionally come back up when neighbours discover or create something musical that they wish to share!
– Excerpt from emails
One final area where we saw extended engagement was with the Collaborative Business Program. The Collaborative Business Program is a key part of EOED programming which helps residents conceive, practice, and implement circular low-to-zero waste economic systems. The pilot of a community business “Threaded Together” wrapped up in early 2024. During the pilot, the collective honed their sewing skills, learned about the business side of operations, and settled on a target need to service. Specifically, the Threaded Together Collective plans to create accessible clothing for residents of the North End, serving elderly and disabled neighbours. Following the success of the pilot, the Threaded Together collective continued to work together utilizing EOED’s support infrastructure. The group has crafted a survey to distribute to the community, to better understand the needs that must be met with accessible clothing. The group has also set up a website and has begun planning how to source supplies in a sustainable and ethical way. In 2025, Threaded Together will be distributing their survey, and taking the next steps towards realizing an inclusive and circular North End business with the guidance of EOED’s new Collaborative Business Designer [Brenna MacDonald].
Multi-generational Joy
This year, we saw the highest number of children and youth engaging with the space. Many families, of two or more genera tions, spent a lot of time in the shop during both Fall and Summer Program. While these families, and specifically the children, engaged with sessions; they also found a safe and comfortable space at EOED. The shop was not the only place families brought the littles, many of the CBT sessions saw participants from multiple generations.
At the Community Build Trailer, kids loved learning how to use some of the simpler power tools, like the drills. Dan from OSO planning + design taught the eager youngsters the basics, and they relished in being able to help the adults in construction. Some even had some project suggestions of their own. In 2024, the CBT was specifically supporting the construction of some new structures for the George Dixon Community Garden, some younger neighbours fielded some ideas about how to improve the George Dixon park for their own use... mostly centering around a shared love of skateboarding!
In the shop, children and youth continued to display more confidence and agency about the space. During school months, young learners made use of the Neighbourhood Shop to do homework, enjoying the quiet room, and the conference room for slightly larger groups working together. These visitors felt comfortable fixing themselves a hot drink and respecting the space by tidying after themselves. Sessions in 2024 also saw much more of a mixed generational audience. Over the summer, one of our older hosts, Magi, shared her love of mosaic making.
Photos, left to right: Neighbours play during "Inuit Games," Fall 2024, a mosaic made Summer 2024, residents discuss printmaking, Fall 2024, wool roving for felting projects.
This session was filled with littles, excited to make their own art pieces. Magi, and a handful of other older neighbours, were so kind and engaged with these kids. Many ended up taking inspiration from one another or fully collaborating on a mosaic. Later, with the help of Magi and some of the kids from the session, these mosaics were placed in the Medicine Garden at MNFC. They are a wonderful and bright demonstration of the strength and joy of intergenerational activities and art making.
The 2024 year culminated with a community art show at a small local gallery. 17 neighbours shared art in this showcase, including 4 works by artists under the age of 10! This showcase was a beautiful representation of the intergenerational activity in the shop this year. The exhibit had university-aged artists, young parents, middle-aged learners, and even some of our older neighbours. The increase in intergenerational visitors has prompted the EOED staff to target these young hosts in 2025 programming, building their confidence and capacity through hosting sessions.
Threaded Together
Collaborative Business Program
Every One Every Day supports a platform approach to new business development through the creation of collaborative business programs. This means providing a critical base of supporting infrastructures, like access to: workspaces, equipment, technical expertise, training, supplies, and group facilitation, to enable as many people as possible to test business ideas, no matter what sector. Throughout Phase One we came across many talented creatives and makers living and working in the North End, who shared skills including sewing clothing and covid-masks, making homemade essential oils and beauty care products, making painted and beaded artwork, and designing cultural crafts and jewelry.
In the Spring of 2024, EOED launched a Collaborative Business Program called ‘Threaded Together!’ This collective came to be after a group of like-minded residents living in the North End came together to create the groundwork for a sustainable, local business that makes accessible clothing for people who experience sensory and mobility barriers.
Collaborative Business Pathway:
First Steps: Building Relationships
The Threaded Together group came together through a love of sewing and a passion for learning and sharing skills with neighbours. Facilitated by Collaborative Business Designer Jayme-Lynn Gloade and seamstress Alyson Samways, Threaded Together began the first steps in its business journey; mapping out skillsets and goals amongst the team, making durable well-made clothing by hand, coming up with the process of production, creating surveys to get feedback, and building
a website to collect fabric from the community in order to save costs for the consumer. Alyson shared tips and helped foresee sewing and production problems. Most importantly, during this time, Threaded Together created an inclusive and stimulating space where community members could not only connect, but also give back.
“What I like about the [Collaborative Business] model is as a participant, you take more ownership. You're not just taking in the service actively or passively, you’re more involved and taking ownership of it, you’re collaborating.”
–Resident Karyn Dougherty
During the 7-week pilot, the Threaded Together participants worked with Jayme-Lynn & Alyson by sharing their skillsets and establishing norms and practices as a collective, all the while brainstorming ways to make accessible clothing more fashionable. By prioritizing fashion and comfort, Threaded Together aims to empower individuals, boosting their confidence and self-expression through thoughtfully designed outfits that are made-to-order to fit their body and needs.
Next steps
Threaded Together continues onto the next chapter of their journey; learning about & connecting with members in our community who would benefit from accessible fashion. Over the summer, the collective worked hard to build these ideals into their business
model as a Community Interest Group, a business model which aims to benefit the community rather than gain private profit. This model will cycle 60% of revenue back into the North End community by reinvesting in local organizations that address community needs or social issues.
To capture their journey or see what the collective is up to next, please visit www.threadedtogether.ca
Participation Over Time
Programming in 2024 saw a significant increase in the number of people engaging through session run at EOED. Most notably, the Summer Program saw over double the number of residents stopping by than the that of 2023. While numbers during the Summer Program are lower overall, due to the time of year and the short program runtime of 4 weeks, this huge increase in participation is exciting. Session attendance over all three 2024 programs (Spring, Summer, and Fall) increased a total of 70% from 2023. Sessions focused on Truth and Reconciliation and sessions centered
around creating were the most well attended across the board. Cultural sessions saw a jump in participation from 2023, with an average of 5.5 more attendees per culturally focused sessions. The participation through the 2024 programs has provided the team with a better understanding of how to inform residents of our programs and other offerings, and the most ideal times for residents to engage with EOED. Accordingly, the 2025 programs have taken this data into account, and we hope to see even further participation in session this coming year.
Spring 2022
New: 115
Returning: 94
Total: 209
Sessions: 28
Fall 2022
New: 95
Returning: 124
Total: 219
Sessions: 30
Spring 2023
New: 208
Returning: 285
Total: 505
Sessions: 63
Summer 2023
New: 128
Returning: 90
Total: 218
Sessions: 31
Average Number of Participants per Session
Spring 2023: 2.8
Spring 2024: 3
% increase 23-24: +7%
Summer 2023 5.8
Summer 2024 16
% increase 23-24: +176%
Fall 2023: 8.5
Fall 2024: 10.8
% increase 23-24: +27%
Total of 70% more participants per session from 2023-2024
Fall 2023
New: 211
Returning: 402
Total: 613
Sessions: 72
Spring 2024*
New: 228
Returning: 269
Total: 491
Sessions: 79 *estimates
2023
Summer 2023 Fall2023
2024 Summer2024 2.8 5.8 8.5 3 16 10.8
Summer 2024*
New: 62
Returning: 146
Total: 208
Sessions: 17
*all numbers are session attendees
Fall 2024
New: 289
Returning: 574
Total: 848
Sessions: 48
Julie’s Journey
13 moons with a resident
To better understand the impact of engaging with Every One Every Day (EOED), we worked with a resident over 13 moons. During this time, the resident, Julie Vandervoort, journaled to capture her journey of participation, the value of EOED to the North End neighbourhood, and her personal journey and understanding of Truth and Reconciliation in Kjipuktuk. Along with the stories in her journal, Julie met with the evaluation team in guided interviews to discuss and share her experiences in multiple formats. Julie began engaging with Every One Every Day (EOED) near the very beginning of the program, way back in 2022. During her time with us, she has learned, participated, and contributed to the North End in many impactful ways. Over the past 13 moons, Julie tracked her own journey and learnings, culminating in this art piece showing her journey down the River of Reconciliation in the EOED Canoe. Now, Julie will take you down the river with us, in her own words.
Photos, top to bottom: Community Quilt fabric, Julie chats with Co-Director Tammy on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation 2023, naturally dyed yarn, neighbours learn about the EOED Circle of Change, Julie chopping cabbage for sauerkraut, Rayshed and Julie work on a Community Quilt, Julie hosting "Do Re Mi ... and You!," Fall 2024, Julie painting a Powwow Dancer mural, Julie and a neighbour measure alum for "Natural Dyes," Julie and neighbours paint during a "Mi'kmaw Moon" session, a collaboratively painted Medicine Wheel.
Julie’s Journey
13 moons with a resident
The Beginning
“I had already learned so much—about myself, the community around me, and about the Indigenous history of Kjipuktuk [from EOED] when I was asked to engage in this participant journey. I knew I wanted to do it. I got to really sit with what I learned and how my thoughts have changed since coming to EOED, and I knew that was going to add to the personal value I already got from EOED. I loved the reciprocity of it, being able to be a part of this big experiment in a more direct way. When I agreed to start this journey, I don’t think I realized just how... how meaningful it would be for me.”
Beaver Work
“... up to that point [my first sessions with EOED], I had an image of myself that I was up on the issues, [that] I was fairly aware. So I went to the library and I googled. And from that language I started to find out. I learned that [I grew up in] Mishisagi, Anishinaabe land.
And it continues to be affected by the Williams treaties. So, then I read a book on the William’s treaties and then that led me to the next thing and the next thing and the next thing [...] The first couple of times I tried to do my own acknowledgment I stumbled over the words. I was very self-conscious, I thought this was going to look really pretentious. Like people were going to think I was showing off, wonder why I’m doing this. But, bit by bit, it has become more natural. I can say the words more naturally because I’m thinking it, I’m not just saying it. My mind has changed. I think: “whose land is this? How are the treaties continuing to affect this land and the relationships. And, well, that’s all beaver work. [...] You know, you build something one stick at a time. And it all builds on one another. They’re not solitary animals; it’s a lodge for community. So, it’s about community building from the roots. The Grassroots of the land.”
The Foundation
“It continues to turn in my mind. I am just deeply grateful to these first sessions for opening a door in my mind. And having to own that I never thought about this before. It never even
crossed my mind before and how is that possible? It’s like anything else, once you see it, you can’t unsee it.”
Different ways to Learn
“We learned through play. It seemed kind of effortless. That’s one way of learning. Researching [is another]. And doing research, reading about treaties, includes reading a lot of legal stuff, that’s not instinctive play, it’s a completely different kind of learning. But it works for me to come at it from both lenses. I think it’s incredibly important.
The circles that come out of it, it’s because there’s so many kinds of learning that takes place there [Neighbourhood Shop]”
Building a Forest
“Not every session has to be magical or perfect. Trying to think [back on] our conversations, its hard to pinpoint where growth happens and branches out. It’s both subtle and cumulative. Every session builds on
the previous one, and is part of the next one. I just find it very layered. The little tree that is growing bigger. And again, it’s continuing to grow still. Just the uptake within the community, those branches have really spread and spread. I can’t see how that won’t continue.”
Safe Space to Grow
“There are pauses. Areas of growth where the water is kind of swirling around, waiting. Percolating.”
The Jump to Hosting
“In the beginning I didn’t picture myself hosting. I assumed that my skills, my background, that anything I might be able to offer, I figured an Indigenous host could do it better. It’s like ‘why would I take up that space?’ I didn’t think of myself as a Hoster. I really thought I’d be taking up space that could be better offered to someone else. But just seeing the variety
of hosts that did step up, and just going to sessions that weren’t perfect... I always was like it was worth having done. I always learned something. It's now really evident from the last couple of programs that the hosts are coming from everywhere. [My first time hosting] was very comfortable. It’s continued to flower and produce something. I was kind of moved by my own session... People really did open up and share, people were honest. My first time hosting was comfortable, and I learned something from my own session, and I am so willing to do another one. Because what’s under the lily pad? All the EOED staff. My experiences have just been fantastic. They’re all so nice, so warm, so helpful”
Connecting Community and Seeding Reconciliation
“Before [EOED] if anyone had asked me, I would have said I was quite plugged in to the North End, that I was really community minded. But I am so much more plugged in now and more community minded. The big difference is meeting
and getting to know younger generations. Prior to the neighbourhood shop, I simply would not have found myself playing with a lump of clay next to a 6-year-old, or a 20-year-old, or a 30-year old. But that happens easily all the time at the Shop, and it’s connecting because I often see these people. I run into them on the street, or at the library, and otherwise we would never have crossed paths. We wouldn’t have had a common entry point. That’s an example of building social cohesion, as an instrument or pathway for folks to connect. Especially folks in all the diversity of the North End. I think it’s really important. It is really important.”
Taking it All in “Diving down and finding those first sticks and pieces of mud and starting to build awareness... it’s truly not about the end product. It’s the making of it. I really have
kind of come full circle here. Where I started, a couple years ago, and where I am now, this is a circle that is open-ended and infinite. The circle is open, and so I don’t know what's next for me, but I know that I am absolutely changed by this journey, and in a way I am very grateful for.”
Photos, top to bottom: A shirt Julie embroidered to add 'Mi'kma'ki,' Julie and neighbours work with clay during "Moon Magic Journey," Fall 2024, the Turtle Island Decolonized Map by Decolonial Atlas, used by Julie in her first hosting experience, working together on a Community Quilt.
Bill Fenton Community Garden
In March 2024, Kathleen, the George Dixon Community Garden Coordinator, met Ted, a Neighbourhood Project Designer at Every One Every Day, during our Spring Program Launch. They discussed collaborating on a project using our Community Build Trailer (CBT) at the George Dixon Community Garden, located beside the George Dixon Recreation Centre in Uniacke Square—a historically African Nova Scotian neighbourhood shaped by the displacement of Africville residents in the 1960s. Although close to our Neighbourhood Shop, this would be our first project in that part of the community.
As new guests to the Uniacke Square community, Ted and Tammy, Co-Director of Strategy, began building a relationship with the Community Garden group in early 2024. An important step in this process was the hosting of an Elder dinner, where food and conversation were shared with Elders identified within the Community Garden group. An Elder gathering was an important step as it’s a sign of respect in Mi’kmaw culture when developing relationships with other communities.
Through this relationship building, they became familiar with us and our work and were eager to explore collaboration at the Community Garden. Members of the garden were invited to participate in a co-design process, supported by OSO planning + design, to identify how a Build project with the CBT could support their needs. It was highlighted that there was a need for better information sharing and signage to highlight the garden as a community space. To address these issues, the group decided that a bulletin board for information sharing and an arbour with a garden sign as an identifier
would be built as welcoming infrastructure for the garden. In a follow-up meeting, we discussed what these projects would look like and reviewed examples of bulletin boards and arbours, drawing inspiration from various designs to shape a cohesive vision.
Ted then used the ideas from the co-design sessions to create a visual rendering. Important elements identified by the community, like weatherproofing and seating, were intentionally included. The arbour, for instance, includes raised beds for planting food—primarily those that will climb the trellises—and a sign with the garden’s name. The visual design also helped to get approval from Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) for building permissions.
In September, we transported the CBT to the George Dixon Recreation Centre so we could build on-site and in a public environment for easy access and visibility.
Photos, top to bottom:Co-designing with youth from the George Dixon Recreation Centre, Ted demonstrates using a power drill, the Community Build trailer parked on the splashpad at near the Community Garden, neighbours sort wood for the project, Garden members co-design together at the Shop, inside the Community Garden space, Dan of OSO planning + design teaches young neighbours how to use a drill.
The project build was included in our Program through a series of sessions. The first two sessions titled “Power Tools 101” were designed to build capacity within neighbours with a variety of power tools while simultaneously cutting lumber and preparing materials for the assembly of the structures. These sessions brought together people of all ages and backgrounds, including children, newcomers to Canada, and folks with hearing impairments. The CBT stored all of the necessary tools, equipment, and materials for the project so that our team could arrive within an hour before the sessions with enough time to set up. Folks in the neighbourhood were curious at first, and as Ted was there often, he answered a lot of questions from neighbours as to what the trailer was there for and what was being built.
Through hosting public sessions in our Neighbourhood Program, we were bringing garden and community members together to participate. At this sign painting session, a young newcomer family in the neighbourhood interested in growing food were able to connect and chat with garden members. This sign painting session was an important step in strengthening the garden’s identity as it was decided at their monthly general meeting in September to change the name of the garden.
Previously a horseshoe park named the Bill Fenton Memorial Horseshoe Park, the space was converted to the George Dixon Community Garden in 2021, reflecting the adjacent park and recreation centre. However, Bill Fenton’s family, now Community Garden members, had initially agreed to the conversion of the space on the condition that his name remain part of the legacy. During our co-design process,
this story surfaced, and as new signage for the garden was being built, it was decided to rename it as originally intended—the Bill Fenton Community Garden.
By mid-October, we were assembling the arbour and information hub together. These sessions continued to include garden and community members learning from and sharing with each other. When we were ready to cut and mount the rafters of the arbour, Marty, a community garden member, arrived with an idea for the cutout design for the ends of the rafters. Marty’s idea was welcomed into the build by other garden members! This highlights neighbour’s ownership in the project and feeling welcomed and inspired to see their ideas included in it. By including his design in the physical landscape of the neighbourhood, we’re developing co-created and cooperative communities.
As part of our reconciliation initiatives, one aspect of this project involved planting a native pollinator garden that includes plants native to Mi’kma’ki. This contributed to our efforts in Indigenizing and decolonizing the plant life in our urban areas. Kathleen, the Community Garden Coordinator, specializes in pollinator plants and hosted this session to offer her knowledge and skills with the community.
Photos, top to bottom:
Neighbours work on the pollinator garden, Ted with the arbour in progress, Tunny and the bulletin board sign, neighbours paint the garden sign, wood stored in the CBT, discussing the arbour design, neighbours share a laugh with building together.
Before and after. The site was shaded out by plenty of invasive trees and didn’t include any infrastructure for signage or information sharing. The project motivated HRM to clear the invasive species from the fence to make room for the arbour and information hub. In 2025, we’ll work together on finishing the raised beds, trellises, and garden sign for the arbour.
Tunny, one of the Elders part of the community garden who attended our Elder dinner, was so delighted with the information hub that she asked Ted to take her picture with it.
Spring 2024
About Kokum
“Big Old Tree”, a Reconciliation Framework for ‘Every Day’ Action
Kokum - A planning resource for discovering and adopting decolonized learning and practice while maintaining accountability for our actions.
Kokum translates to “big old tree” in Mi’kmaw. The large tree image is used as a planning resource and an interactive tool to assist our team with implementing and evaluating actions that we take towards Truth and Reconciliation. It also helps to keep us accountable to one another, to the community, and to our First Nation, Metis, and Inuit kin.
Following the pilot, and with the expansion of the EOED team, work began on exploring what a Reconciliation framework would look like. How could it be something that sparks conversation, is a source of learning and evaluating, holds us accountable to our commitment, keeps our efforts transparent, invites community and partners to learn with us, and could be replicated as a Reconciliation framework for others?
As a starting place, we looked to answer three exploratory questions:
• How does EOED define and interpret Active Reconciliation?
• Where will we get information & find support?
• How will we know if our actions are having an impact?
How does Every One Every Day define and interpret Active Reconciliation?
• Raising awareness about colonization in “Canada” and exposing the ongoing injustices and harms towards First Nation, Metis and Inuit Peoples
• Disrupting colonized processes that are woven deep within our economic and social infrastructure through meaningful action and allyship.
• Reclaiming individual and collective identity, not just for First Nation, Metis, and Inuit People, but for everyone.
• Restoring harmony with kin, the lands, the 4 waters, and all of nature.
• Reviving and Reclaiming treaty relationships.
• Acknowledging and valuing Indigenous knowledge systems and paradigms
By design, the framework applies a Reconciliation lens across the roles and responsibilities of the Every One Every Day team. The framework includes an open access document and a large tree visual that’s placed in an accessible area to spark dialogue and share the work of Every One Every Day as a Reconciliation initiative more broadly while holding us accountable to our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the impact of our actions and inaction.
Another important function of the framework is to deepen our connection with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre (MNFC) and its programs. Having a large visual to demonstrate our current course of action towards Truth and Reconciliation helps to initiate conversations around potential program collaborations and align our efforts with the purpose and pathways of the overall vision of the future Wije’winen Centre.
Kokum
Breaking Down the Framework
The Ecosystem: Nurturing the Framework
Niskam (Spirit)
Acknowledging the Presence of our Ancestors
In Mi’kmaw culture, we acknowledge our shadow as the spirit of our ancestors. We are linked to our ancestors, where Grandfather Sun meets Mother Earth. Our shadow is connected to the spiritual world and the physical world. One foot in the world of our ancestors and one foot looking to the future. When we honour our ancestors, we honour ourselves.
Samqwan (Aquifer)
Sustenance for Being of Good Mind
Many Indigenous cultures make space for healing using ceremonies with water and sacred medicines which nourish and replenish the mind, body, and spirit. The Aquifer provides sustenance and healing to Kokum.
Maqmikew (Land)
Surrounding Networks and Shared Resources
The land and natural elements surrounding Kokum extend to the deepest parts of the forest, sharing and interconnecting the abundance of unique gifts and understanding they possess with Kokum and all those they encounter. Respectful relations rooted in reciprocity and shared understanding provide Kokum with the support needed to continue to make an impact.
Naku’set (Sun)
Surfacing Truth
From sunrise to sunset, the sun shines fissures of light onto Kokum, forever seeking truth- asking questions, and discovering and revealing the unseen. The sun urges Kokum to stretch farther and encourages Kokum to never stop growing.
Mnqwan (Rainbow)
Hope & Aspirations for our Youth
The rainbow is brilliant and beautiful as it confidently stretches across the sky overhead, never-ending. The rainbow represents the path of the next seven generations and demonstrates the hope and aspirations for our youth that Kokum possesses.
Weji-sqalia'timk
“where we sprouted or emerged from” –(Mi’kmaw)
Parts of the Tree: Components of the Framework
Wjipiskl (Roots)
Sharing Knowledge as a Sacred Gift through the Generations
The roots of Kokum are strong! They are the knowledge carriers and living wisdom that care for and pass on sacred and traditional ways of life. They are our Elders & traditional teachers, singers & dancers, crafters & storytellers, Warriors, Water Protectors & Land Defenders, and our harvesters, hunters, fishers and trappers. The roots provide Kokum with the cultural richness and traditional knowledge and understanding needed to stand strong and unwavering in her efforts, always knowing why she was created and where she sprouted from.
Jokom (Base of the Tree)
Guideposts to Keep Us Aligned with Our Values and Intentions
Guideposts constitute the base of the tree, at
leaf, providing Kokum with the structure needed to stay consistent throughout the work in aligning
Considering our impact on the First Peoples of this land, and with the same lens, taking care to eliminate the on-going harm and oppression of racialized and marginalized communities.
• Building Indigenous identity and belonging in the urban context.
• Acknowledging and defending Indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination through purposeful action.
• Creating space for truth and honouring the process of healing.
• Thinking and acting for future generations.
• Recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things and being a good relative.
Wkamulamun (Heart of the tree) Reconciliation “Peace and Friendship”
At the heart of Kokum is true Reconciliation represented by a heart-shaped strawberry. The strawberry teaching speaks to forgiveness and peace. For Kokum, it signifies the power of change and healing in building peace and friendship, together, in a good way.
The Branches
Branching Out Strategies to Widen Our Scope of Understanding of Truth & Reconciliation in Action at the Neighbourhood Level
Each of the six branches signify the over-arching roles the Every One Every Day team is
responsible for, where strategies towards reconciliatory action have been broken down into categories. They are Leadership and Strategic Planning, Operations and Management, Learning and Development, Relationship Building and Interactions, Research and Evaluation, and Design and Messaging.
The Leaves Actions: Interventions, and Decolonized Practices
The leaves represent the agreed upon actions we take to advance Truth & Reconciliation in our work, and in our relationships and interactions with people, our environment, and all kin. These actions are identified by our team through cycles of individual and group reflection, collaborative analysis, and shared learning, with support from MNFC staff, Indigenous community leaders and knowledge holders, and residents from the North End community. They serve to solidify our learning-into-action and make us accountable to doing what we say we are going to do.
Kokum – In Practice
Currently, our team is in the final stages of Kokum, evaluating our actions with the use of the Reconciliation Rubric provided by the Indigenous Guide Group. Keeping in mind that the framework is a cycle, like the seasons, the 13 moons, and the tide, we will always return to the work of coming up with new potential acts towards Reconciliation within the means of our work. New buds will form, some will grow into better informed practices and interventions, and some will fall to the ground as foliage, an action not to be taken again, yet still providing nutrients (knowledge) to Kokum as lessons learned. In this way, we hold knowledge as sacred.
Indigenous Guide Group
Determining where we would get information and find support for the development of Kokum was a foundational steppingstone. Although we have and will continue to seek Indigenous wisdom and guidance from many in the Urban Indigenous community in Kjipuktuk and at MNFC, we decided that establishing a circle of traditional Indigenous knowledge carriers and recognized community leaders would be an asset to demonstrating the validity of Kokum and help to inform the work more broadly. From this came the 6-month pilot of an Indigenous Guide Group, made up of First Nation, Metis, Inuit, queer-Indigenous, and youth voices. Like Kokum, the concept for the group is rooted in Mi’kmaw ways of life and understanding. Aligned with the roles and responsibilities of traditional Mi’kmaw River Guides on the Mersey River, the Indigenous Guide Group functions to identify resources, help to overcome challenges and barriers, advise on next steps and offer direction, and provide a safe space for the EOED team to ask questions and exist in a good way.
Nova Scotia has 42 main rivers, the lifeblood of the Mi’kmaq. The Mersey River runs 150 km. It is an ancient highway, once used by the Mi’kmaq for fishing, transportation, and trade, and was a productive salmon river until it became a means for settlers to transport logs out of the interior of the province. Today, the Mersey River has many hydroelectric projects, which have changed the banks and channels of the landscape and impacted ecosystems.
From April to September 2024 (the group did not meet in June), the group held six monthly,
3-hour gatherings to learn about the work of EOED, determine their accountabilities as group members and expectations of how they would work together in a good way, and sort out group dynamics. The goal of the pilot was to test how the group could guide the work, the team, and ultimately the community towards Reconciliation, and produce a ‘Reconciliation Rubric’ that could be used by the EOED team to evaluate the everyday actions identified as the leaves of Kokum.
The monthly gatherings were facilitated by EOED, and space was held for team members to participate and bring to the group any questions around Reconciliation and any other Indigenous related questions that surfaced in the work.
During the pilot there were two significant occasions that demonstrated how the inclusion of an Indigenous Guide Group could translate invaluable Indigenous insights from Indigenous leaders to team members, to residents directly, in a good way. As one example, Tineke, an EOED Neighbourhood Project Designer brought to the group a question that surfaced while co-designing a session with a resident for one of our seasonal programs. The resident was bringing knowledge and talent around dance and wanted to incorporate a variety of dance styles and dance culture into her session, possibly theming it as a “Dance Party”. As a framework for the session, the resident considered using the medicine wheel to incorporate four different styles of dance, mirroring the four stages of the medicine wheel. This didn’t sit well with Tineke, as both her and the resident were non-Indigenous, so she decided to ask the Indigenous Guide Group for insights and direction. During the following monthly gathering, Tineke posed the question around the use of the medicine wheel when no one
the traditional knowledge of the land and
ways of life that these men carried and were willing to share.
involved with the co-design was Indigenous. Tineke expressed that she felt this was a sensitive question, but felt safe to inquire with the group as one of the values of the group was to hold a safe space for team members to ask questions, they might otherwise be hesitant to.
In response, the group offered important lessons and an alternative idea that would align with the original concept but not appropriate the medicine wheel. One of the group members shared that as a traditional dancer, including her dance in a session that is themed “Dance Party” would not be appropriate as traditional dance for her was a form of prayer and is held sacred. Another group member kindly offered that unless an Indigenous person carrying the traditional teachings of the medicine wheel is leading the design and how it will be used, it should not be considered as a framework for the session.
As an alternative solution, the group put forward the idea of using the four elements, air, water, earth, and fire as a framework for the session, a more general concept, that many can relate to. Following the gathering, Tineke brought back all that she had learned to the resident, and the resident was grateful for the knowledge translation the Indigenous Guide Group provided that prevented both her and Tineke from miss-stepping and appropriating Indigenous culture.
From this example we see the potential for the Indigenous Guide Group to impart Indigenous insight and direction to our team, and to communities, in a good way. We will be continuing with the Indigenous Guide Group as a source of Indigenous leadership in the work of EOED and expanding the group from five members to seven in the new year.
Photo, above: This photograph was taken in the early 1900s and shows local Mi’kmaw River Guides from L’sitkuk (Bear River First Nation) and surrounding areas. Many Mi’kmaq would act as guides for the British, who were unable to efficiently take care of themselves and their families without
Mi’kmaw
Photo, right: Guide Group member Tammy hosts 'Land Acknowledgments,' Fall 2024.
J.A.
Lessons Learned
Allowing more space for the Neighbourhood Project Design team to connect and co-design with residents in a healthy and meaningful way. As programs were developed over this past year there was a conscious effort to ensure that more space was created for relationship building and co-design. This was in response to feedback from the Neighbourhood Project team where they stated that the high number of sessions being scheduled per program created a workload that was unmanageable. By allowing more free space through the week for co-design and planning, not only did the Project team feel less burdened, but they were able to connect residents who were
interested in hosting with others and, as a result, there were several sessions co-hosted by multiple residents, who shared similar interests.
Reflecting on the time, space, and sensitivities needed to expand EOED into new and diverse neighbourhoods successfully.
In a neighbourhood where systemic oppression, displacement and gentrification are well known to the residents who live here, our connection to the Friendship Centre has offered a solid foundation for building trust with residents; However, it is also true that many residents do not recognize our association with the Friendship Centre, or feel
Photos, left to right: Michael of OSO planning + design uses the pattern projector, neighbours work on a quilting project, showing off monoprint artwork, neighbours discuss a woodcut block for printmaking.
skeptical generally of new spaces and projects coming into the neighbourhood. The only way to address this is with time, and through the one-onone relationships that are being built by the team daily. Each new program creates an abundance of opportunities to build these relationships and as participation grows, relationships and trust are growing too. It is important to honour the speed at which these trusting relationships can grow, and how this must inform future development and growth.
Providing training opportunities for team members around participatory design and engagement.
The journey to build Every One Every Day has been one of discovery and learning; And it has taken time for the team to deepen their understanding of this approach and to uncover together what it means to become a Truth and Reconciliation initiative. In the past year we have built and reflected upon several tools and frameworks that are helping us to both make sense of the work in real time, while sharing emerging insights and promising practices with others.
Our partnership with OSO planning + design was initiated during an early phase of the work and has continued to grow ever since. Their experience with processes of participatory design, technical building skills, and extensive engagement with First Nations communities across Nova Scotia, has positioned them as ideal collaborators for this work.
As relationships have deepened, OSO continues to contribute valuable support, connections, and expertise to what has now become a mutually beneficial partnership. We work closely with OSO’s staff and students on the design of projects that are helping to bridge new relationships across the Friendship Centre and build capacity for new design-build projects that emerge from resident ideas & interests.
Over time we’ve come to share space, tools, equipment, and knowledge, in support of on-going engagement with residents and collaborative learning across teams. This includes working together to develop the Community Build Trailer and a mobile Print-Making Cart - two specialized pieces of infrastructure that are helping to nurture new collaborations and expand participation in exciting ways.
Managing the growing interest from organizations in using the Shop space and/or engaging in a partnership.
As Every One Every Day grows, we continue to do so in close connection with local organizations & businesses, in ways that can nurture mindsets of mutual support, reciprocity, and abundance. This way of working is both essential in our neighbourhood-building approach and a key marker of success for creating value in
Lessons Learned
the long term. These relationships are always evolving, and take different forms such as sharing infrastructure, introducing residents across spaces, or co-designing new sessions or projects. By connecting community assets through collaborative projects of mutual benefit, we are creating the conditions to support shared lives and connected futures across the neighbourhood.
Where possible, we are working to make Every One Every Day infrastructures available for local organizations and groups who share similar values and are working to support inclusive civic participation in varied ways. These requests & opportunities are on the rise, where local groups recognize the unique nature of what we are building and see it as a place to support connection and participation among diverse community members. As we grow, increasing access to shared spaces and equipment is an important strategy for neighbourhood ecosystem building.
Changing the leadership and team structure to best meet the needs of the work moving forward.
Looking ahead at Phase 2 of the project, EOED has plans to expand upon the work by extending our reach into new neighbourhoods throughout the North End and deepen residents’ understanding of EOED’s unique approach and its benefits to individual residents and communities. We will also continue the exploration of Reconciliation at the neighbourhood level and identify new everyday actions that can make an impact. To accommodate the growing interest in our approach from organizations and urban centers from across Canada, and to support the work in the long-term, EOED will dedicate the space and resources needed to create a Learning
Bundle, opening the opportunity to share the work more broadly. To implement these ambitions in the future work of EOED, it was determined that a new team leadership structure would be necessary, namely, a co-directorship model. With the establishment of both the Co-Director of Operations and Co-Director of Strategy positions, EOED is better aligned to achieving its goals for Phase 2 and balancing the workload over time.
Partnering with local universities to satisfy gaps in our understanding of EOED’s economic impacts. More research is required to understand what the short and long-term economic impacts for North End residents because of their participation in Every One Every Day's collaborative, skill-building, and resident-driven approach to neighbourhood development. Heading into the early stages of Phase Two, our team, along with research partners, such as Dalhousie University’s School of Planning, will support and explore the impacts Every One Every Day program streams that relate directly to economic empowerment, and determine how these mechanisms increase employment and economic opportunity for residents living in the North End of Halifax.
Photos, top to bottom: OSO's 'Future Fragments' art installation at Nocturne 2023 was made with the EOED print press and Millbrook community members, MNFC staff enjoying the 'Shape This Space' garden, the print press at the Neighbourhood Shop, Layla supervises a resident cutting plastic lumber for a community garden bed, Tammy and former Interim Director Benny Welter-Nolan, the team chats with resident Dave outside a local coffeeshop.
Moving Forward
Phase 2: 2025-2030
Since the work began, including the launch of the Neighbourhood Shop in June 2022, we’ve deepened our understanding of what it means to become a Truth and Reconciliation Initiative, in spirit and in practice. We’ve welcomed hundreds of residents into the Neighbourhood Shop, where new relationships are being nurtured every day, and where people are contributing their time and talents to create amazing things together. We’ve piloted a Collaborative Business program with a cohort of local entrepreneurs and artisans interested in exploring business ideas and learning more about circular economies. We’ve added new equipment and built new infrastructures (such as the Community Build Trailer) to support a wider range of neighbourhood projects. And along this journey, we’ve deepened valuable relationships with a growing network of community partners, together illuminating a spirit of mutual support, reciprocity, and abundance.
As the project heads into its second phase, we look to expand upon the work in three main areas; Reconciliation at the neighbourhood level, collaborative neighbourhood development, and the development of a Learning Bundle to share our approach more broadly. To achieve this, we have developed three strategic directions for the next five years, 2025-2030 respectively.
Strategic Directions 2025-2030
• Nurture pathways for meaningful Reconcili-ACTION at the neighbourhood level.
• Facilitate collaborative approaches to neighbourhood development through relationships, support & shared infrastructure.
• Illuminate wise practice & possible futures for inclusive social infrastructure & participatory city-building.
Nurture Pathways for Meaningful Reconcili-Action at the Neighbourhood Level Every One Every Day Kjipuktuk shows potential to embed Truth and Reconciliation learning and action into neighbourhoods, and across communities. Early exploration into this potential has surfaced three core focus areas that will be expanded over time:
• Building shared understanding across the team and grounding our efforts in learning.
• Understanding our unique pathways & approaches—developing ‘Kokum’: A Truth & Reconciliation framework for ‘Every day’ action.
• Identifying ways to communicate & demonstrate Every One Every Day as a Truth & Reconciliation initiative.
Emerging work will deepen learning within the team and across MNFC, while also extending opportunities for shared learning and practice with partners, and the broader community. It will expand opportunities for urban Indigenous community members to share and celebrate culture through social and economic endeavors and create new pathways for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to build relationships and engage in cross-cultural learning.
To achieve the goals aligned with this strategic direction, there are five courses of action. They are:
Photos, left to right: host Magi helps a young neighbour make a mosaic, neighbours of all ages work on embroidery, planting strawberries at the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre.
1. Advance the development of Kokum as a practice tool and as a learning framework to guide development & evaluation of EOED as a Truth & Reconciliation initiative. Implement annual cycles of learning, practice, and evaluation based on the continued evolution of Kokum.
(Y 2-4) Facilitate learning circles (ie. MNFC programs & local organizations), focused on advancing decolonized practice and advancing Truth & Reconciliation at the team, organization, and community level.
(Y 4-5) Work with MNFC staff, Elders, and community members on the continued development of Kokum as a Truth and Reconciliation framework for the Wije’winen Centre (2030 and beyond).
2. Establish pathways for centering Indigenous knowledge & leadership in the design and development of neighbourhood infrastructure, programs, and projects across Halifax.
(Y1) Expand EOED’s Indigenous Guide Group to support and guide development of EOED’s work that is culturally responsive, and grounded in First Nations, Metis and Indigenous worldviews. Document key insights and impact of
the Indigenous Guide Group over time, to support an enhanced function moving into the Wije’winen Centre.
(Y1-Y5) Facilitate annual program planning with a sub-set of MNFC program staff, to co-design and co-deliver Indigenous led projects (i.e. T&R Every Day Action) and events, to be featured in EOED seasonal programs.
3. Grow opportunities for cultural learning, relationships, and celebration among Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.
(Y 1-5) Create new opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members to learn and celebrate Mi’kmaw history and culture through expansion of the Truth & Reconciliation: Every Day Action project.
(Y 1-2) As part of a curated learning platform, create pathway to support learning and action around Truth and Reconciliation in Mi’kmaki (to be transferred to the new Wije’winen site, once established).
Moving Forward
4. Facilitate a series of participatory public space projects that enhance cultural assets across the city and embed Indigenous culture and identity in the public realm.
(Y1) Establish a core team (MNFC Youth Lead + EOED Project Designer + OSO Community Planner) to oversee the implementation of Shape This Space Wije’winen, in conjunction with EOED resident-led programs (10 small-medium public space projects over 5 years).
(Y 2) Establish a paid, 8-week training and development program for Indigenous youth focused on participatory design, community planning, and leadership (implemented through the work of Shape This Space Wije’winen and EOED’s Neighbourhood Programs).
5. Launch Indigenous collaborative business stream to grow infrastructure, support and networks for Indigenous-led collaborative business models.
(Y1) Work with MNFC staff and community members to identify need and opportunity for Indigenous Collaborative Business.
Facilitate Collaborative Approaches to Neighbourhood Development Through Relationships, Support & Shared Infrastructure In the next phase of the work, EOED will focus on expanding across partnering organizations and communities via shared infrastructure and resources, and multiple resident-led placemaking projects. The continuation of EOED’s seasonal programming will also be another significant asset for increasing resident participation across the North End.
To achieve the goals aligned with this strategic direction, there are three courses of action. They are:
1. Develop and prototype an ecosystem approach for collaborative neighbourhood development in Halifax North.
(Y1) Develop a set of guiding principles to identify alignment and readiness of prospective partners for collaborative neighbourhood development.
(Y1) Facilitate a series of design workshops with 2-3 organizations to identify needs and potential impact of shared infrastructure and resources.
(Y1) Facilitate a series of design workshops to build concept models for shared infrastructure (ie. satellite and or modular makers-spaces) to support Neighbourhood and business programs.
(Y2) Pilot the design and build of satellite makers spaces and mobile units, activated in collaboration with 2-3 local organizations.
(Y 2-3) Establish NE ecosystem model that establishes and connects neighbourhood infrastructure across 3-4 local organizations.
(Y 3-5) Collaboratively work to establish shared pathways for learning, evaluation and story-sharing.
2. Co-design the development of seasonal programs (3 per year) to expand inclusive participation projects and collaborative business programs across the North End.
(Y1-5) Work with a growing network of residents and organizations to expand the number
and diversity of practical participation projects through existing and emerging infrastructure.
(Y 1-2) Support the advancement of Connected Communities: A North End Community Plan, in partnership with the North End Business Association and a Community-Led Steering Committee.
(Y 3-5) Based on Connected Communities, identify 3-5 small-medium public space projects, as part of the implementation of Shape This Space Wije’winen.
(Y 1-5) Expand EOED’s collaborative business program (1 Business Program Designer – Indigenous Focus) to support the establishment of a series of new business collectives (including Indigenous-led collectives).
3. Expand EOED’s learning and evaluation framework to support a collaborative model for neighbourhood development.
(Y1) Develop a series of learning tools and workshops (ie. Inclusivity principles, co-design framework, cultural competency, Truth & Reconciliation) to cultivate skills development and learning among partner organizations.
Photos, top to bottom: Writing by neighbours inside planters built in partnership with Wonder'neath, Sa'n teaches Mi'kmaw language, Tammy and former Program Director Aimee Gasparetto discuss Kokum.
(Y2-3) Identify a set of shared evaluation metrics to guide developmental evaluation practices and impact measurement across core partners.
Illuminate Wise Practice & Possible Futures for Inclusive Social Infrastructure & Participatory City-Building
Every One Every Day has been developed in the North End of Halifax as a demonstration and learning campus, linked to a national ecosystem that is
working to create and connect robust social infrastructures across Canada. It is the participatory social infrastructure needed for our time; To create the conditions for all residents to feel a sense of belonging, and to thrive in a more inclusive and resilient society and will be shared more broadly during Phase Two.
To achieve the goals aligned with this strategic direction, there are two courses of action. They are:
1. Develop & implement a comprehensive learning framework to guide learning pathways for the team and partners, while enabling scaling pathways for other communities and organizations.
(Y1) Develop a series of core learning pathways grounded in EOED’s unique approach (inclusive co-design, participatory approaches, and reconciliation), including virtual and in-person workshops and tools.
(Y 2-3) Curate a learning platform to share a growing set of tools, resources, and stories emerging from the work (including curated content to support learning and action around Truth & Reconciliation in Mi’kmaki).
(Y 2-5) Implement regular cycles of “discovery days”, to facilitate specialized learning opportunities for groups and organizations (local, national, international).
2. Connect Every One Every Day to broader systems change movements for mutual learning and momentum building across disciplines.
(Y 2-5) Contribute to the development of learning communities and/or communities of practice at the local, National and Inter-National level. (ie. Placemaking and Place keeping, 7Gen Cities, Imagine Canada 2080, Indigenous Evaluation, local and global well-being initiatives, Reconciliation Cities, social innovation & finance, etc.).
(Y 3-5) Facilitate annual gatherings to invite practitioners from across sectors (community, academic, and local government) working to cultivate participatory approaches in neighbourhood & city building while advancing decolonizing and equity-based practices.
Communication Plan for Phase Two
Communications and Story-Sharing is a top priority for 2025 and will be prioritized to build understanding and excitement around the work, leading into Phase Two. Important elements of strategic communications are:
• Capture and share the impact of the work via a Phase One report and other story-sharing elements that can communicate approach and impact.
• Create a compelling narrative for Phase Two via a vision document and “possibility briefs” that outline realistic future scenarios where we are well on our way to achieving our three strategic directions.
• Share foundational tools and approaches that can support learning and implementation in unique contexts. The development of these tools and approaches will be important for laying the groundwork around how EOED will engage and support others in learning.
Website Development: Phase Two is the time to invest in further development of the content that is shared on the website. Advancement of the website will be a critical component of Phase Two, where it will evolve into a learning platform the helps to share stories and insights, tools and resources (related to the approach), and a virtual hub for T&R learning and action in Mi’kmaki.
Strategic Story-Sharing: In 2023 EOED created two “Snapshots” decks, based on the 2023 progress report (How We Work & Impact Snapshots). This will be replicated and/or expanded to share key elements of the approach and impact when introducing the Phase Two vision. A focus on resident stories is ideal but also examples of how the platform is working to embed new assets in the community and connect different people and spaces across the neighbourhood.
Phase One Report: In spring 2025, EOED will finalize a report that is a reflection on the entirety of Phase One. It will include foundational concepts and frameworks for the approach, emerging impact over 3-4 years of implementation, lessons learned to inform future work, and the vision/ pathway for Phase Two.
Photos, top to bottom: RISE participants meet with EOED staff, a map of Mi'kma'ki, youth design garden infrastructure for 'Shape This Space' at the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre.
Closing Statement
Every One Every Day Kjipuktuk-Halifax aims to inspire a way of life in neighbourhoods and communities where the things that we value, like relationships, culture, or connection to nature, are reflected in the places we live and the things we do together. And, where Reconciliation can be practiced daily, through welcoming opportunities to learn about Indigenous culture and history, spending time together, and sharing across cultures to create a new path forward.
In the short time that Every One Every Day has been operating in Kjipuktuk, we have seen a glimpse of many different residents working side-by-side to bring ideas to life in the neighbourhood while supporting others to take part. We have sparked excitement and curiosity around what life could be like if everyday, there were inviting spaces for neighbours to easily connect, share, learn, and create. At the centre of all of this, we have initiated a journey towards reconciliation in neighbourhoods, sparking our collective imaginations around what’s possible with spaces and opportunities to be together in new ways.
While we hope this is just the beginning, the vision for Every One Every Day rests in the hands of no single individual or organization, but rather, is an invitation for all of us to take part in creating a future society that centres connectedness, healing, regeneration, and where the creative potential of everyone, can be realized.
Tammy Mudge Co-Director, Strategy
Killa Atencio Co-Director, Operations
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to the many people who have contributed to bring Every One Every Day Kjipuktuk to where it is today. A special thanks to:
The residents and neighbours of North End Halifax/Kjipuktuk
Julie Vandervoort, North End resident and Participant’s Journey Contributor
Pamela Glode Desrochers, Executive Director, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre
Michael Maclean & Kieran Stepan, Founding Partners, OSO planning + design
Every One Every Day Project Team Members (Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre):
Tammy Mudge, Co-Director, Strategy
Killa Atencio, Co-Director, Operations
Jocelyn Spence, Coordinator of Communications & Design
Jayme-Lynn Gloade, Manager of Neighbourhood Projects
Shawnna McGowan, Neighbourhood Project Designer
Layla Fadhil, Neighbourhood Project Designer
Tineke Weld, Neighbourhood Project Designer
Ted Morris, Neighbourhood Project Designer, Build Focus
Brenna MacDonald, Collaborative Business Program Designer
Deanna Johnston, Administrative Assistant and Bookkeeper
Zoe Wright, Program Evaluator
With ongoing support from staff and community members at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre.
Indigenous Guide Group
Carole Kowun
Denise John
Tammy Williams
Frances Palliser-Nicholas
Stevi Gerrior
Funders
McConnell Foundation
Emera
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Province of Nova Scotia
Our warmest thanks and appreciation to everyone who has contributed space, inspiration, ideas, and resources, and engaged in the vision of inclusive participation and Reconciliation in Kjipuktuk/Halifax.
