From Research to Relational Practice
The Land-Based Learning & Adaptation Lab is a collaborative initiative designed to bridge the gap between academic research and community-led climate action. Rather than a traditional top-down classroom, the Lab serves as a coordinated meeting ground where Cape Breton’s decentralized network of Mi’kmaw leaders, social enterprises, and municipal practitioners can converge to share knowledge and co-design regional futures.
The Why: Bridging the Governance Gap
In earlier research, we found that climate adaptation in Unama’ki (Cape Breton) can be defined by a patchwork of brilliant but often disconnected initiatives. While our communities show immense resilience during crises, such as the record-breaking 2024 snowstorms, these efforts often happen in parallel rather than in partnership.
Our research indicates that the most effective way to support regional durability is not by intervening in local activities, but by creating a consistent space for convergence. The Lab addresses this governance gap by providing the infrastructure for practitioners and students to learn from one another in the places where adaptation is actually happening.
The Process: Evolution of a Partnership
This initiative is the natural evolution of the Sustaining Our Island (PDG) grant. Following a survey of adaptation initiatives that identified 34 key initiatives across the island (some of which are detailed here), we recognized a collective need for a land-based pedagogical model.
We are currently in a transition year, moving from our foundational research toward a full SSHRC Partnership Grant. This phase focuses on:
- Intentional Close-out: Honoring the original partners and objectives of the Sustaining Our Island project.
- Co-Design Workshops: Working with partners like UINR, New Dawn, and Unama’ki College to ensure the curriculum reflects community priorities, such as Netukulimk-led resilience and energy sovereignty.
- Institutional Alignment: Ensuring our work supports existing regional task teams and governance structures, such as the Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative (CEPI) and the Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere.
The Student Experience: Applied CED & Research
Starting in July 2026, we are piloting a “Design-as-Pedagogy” model. We are currently developing the design, but as of now, students in the MBA in Community Economic Development will participate in site-responsive intensives.
Instead of being passive observers, students will work alongside local practitioners to:
- Analyze Local Assets: Visit sites such as the Pine Tree Park Solar Garden or Potlotek’s Geothermal Greenhouse to understand the food-energy nexus.
- Evaluate Success: Explore new ways to measure social well-being in the environment, moving beyond standard economic metrics.
- Build the Future: The output from these sessions will directly inform the full residency program launching in 2027.
Research Focus: Two-Eyed Seeing in Practice
The Lab serves as a living lab for the Shannon School of Business and the Faculty of Education. We are investigating how Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) can be integrated into business and education curricula to empower Indigenous and community voices. Our research asks: How can university resources support community autonomy rather than over-structuring it?
Leadership & Collaboration
This project is co-led by Dr. Kaitlin Linden (SSOB) and Dr. Mary Beth Doucette (Crawford Chair), in partnership with Dr. Carrie Karsgaard (Education).
Our work is anchored by a commitment to the organizations already doing the work: UINR, Unama’ki College, the Island Food Network, and the Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design.
Note: This site is a living resource. Details may change in the future. We are also currently integrating our Asset Mapping and will be adding reference materials and technical vignettes for all featured initiatives throughout 2026.
