Blueberry River First Nations Chief Sherry Dominic is describing the launch of a new Indigenous-led commercial native plant orchard, as “a huge milestone in Blueberry’s journey toward restoring and healing the land across our traditional territory.”
The project is aimed at restoring lands impacted by decades of industrial development and wildfires in northeast B.C.
“This initiative creates a pathway toward fully integrated, large-scale reclamation and restoration of impacted lands,” Dominic said.
The 120-acre orchard, operated by Grandmother’s Greenhouse, officially opened Wednesday on Blueberry River First Nations land.
Supporters say it is one of the largest Indigenous-led native plant orchards in Canada and will provide long-term supplies of native plants and seeds for restoration projects across Treaty 8 territory.
Of the total area, 100 acres are dedicated to commercial production, while the remaining 20 acres will be reserved for community harvesting of culturally significant plants.
Millions of seedlings and ecosystem-based design
This growing season, approximately 1.7 million seedlings will be moved into the orchard, creating a high-volume production system for native trees, shrubs, grasses, and seed stock.
The orchard has been designed to reflect the layers of a natural forest ecosystem, incorporating canopy trees, understory shrubs, and forest-floor vegetation to support biodiversity and resilience.
Built through landmark agreement
Grandmother’s Greenhouse was established through the 2023 Implementation Agreement between Blueberry River First Nations and the Province of British Columbia. The operation functions as a subsidiary of Blueberry River Resources, a Nation-owned company.
Interim general manager Olivia Young says the orchard strengthens the Nation’s ability to grow locally adapted plant species for long-term ecological restoration.
According to the First Nation, there are an estimated 8,000 abandoned well sites across Blueberry territory. Fully restoring the land is expected to require roughly 850 million trees and native plants.
The region has also faced major wildfire damage, including the 2023 Donnie Creek wildfire, the largest recorded in B.C.’s history.
Economic and cultural benefits
Beyond environmental restoration, the project is expected to bring lasting economic benefits, including employment and skills training opportunities for Blueberry River members.
“This initiative delivers meaningful and long-term benefits to Blueberry members through employment, skills development opportunities, and connection to our cultural roots,” said Chief Dominic.
The $9.7-million orchard is funded through the Nan wúújǫ anawúúdle / Blueberry River Restoration Society, which was created to support stewardship and restoration initiatives across the Nation’s territory.
“I look forward to seeing our members harvesting there, and I am excited to witness how this project will upscale restoration across our region, which is sorely needed,” added Chief Dominic.
Native seeds and plants are currently available for purchase, with expanded inventory expected beginning in the 2027 growing season.