BEELIEVE

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Seeing Opportunity

Across the country, nearly one-third of all on-reserve First Nation citizens are experiencing food insecurity and 60% of First Nation children on reserves live in poverty. In addition, the bee population has dropped 59% in the last 58 years. Our bees are responsible for pollinating 70 out of 100 food crops that are making up 90% of the world’s diet, their survival is essential to ensure everyone can experience food security.

Taking Action

Enactus Calgary took action through launching Beelieve. This project is providing first nations with employment opportunities to mitigate financial constraints while providing bee’s a safe place to pollinate food crops and wildlife. Through a partnership with the Tsuut’ina Nation and the District Beekeepers Association, they have created a beekeeping and fruit-bearing orchard operation. Beelieve is aimed at naturally solving food security.

Enabling Progress

Over the past year, Beelieve has empowered 5 individuals to become entrepreneurs, who now have access to an additional $500-$3000. They have been able to provide 5 individuals part-time employment to work on the community hives as beekeepers, gardeners, or constructors of the apiary (beehives), which have generated $5,200. During March 2019, the Enactus Calgary team hosted a three-day conference bringing together 6 different First Nation communities throughout Canada, with a goal to expand Beelieve across Alberta. Beelieve has reached a total of 40 hives and 100 fruit-bearing plants to the reserve.