Green Innovation Gathering Inspires Youth-Led Sustainability Solutions in Brandon

The Green Innovation Gathering (GIG) in Brandon, Manitoba, recently brought together students, educators, and community leaders to tackle environmental challenges through hands-on innovation. Hosted at Assiniboine Community College, the event empowered young minds to develop solutions for real-world sustainability issues in their community.  

Students engaged in a dynamic, structured process that encouraged creative design thinking, with guidance from facilitators and industry experts. Their ideas showcased a strong understanding of both local environmental challenges, the related social impacts, and the importance of collaborative action. 

In partnership with ProteinMB, one student team proposed repurposing fish bones into sustainable fertilizer, reducing waste and chemical use. Another team, working with the City of Brandon and guided by Dakota Elder Eugene, designed a community survey to capture the experiences of vulnerable populations impacted by climate-related challenges — ensuring that future solutions reflect local needs.

Partners like Assiniboine Community College,ProteinMB, and the City of Brandon were instrumental to the event’s success, alongside local volunteers who helped connect GIG to the broader community.

Lindsay Hargreaves a representative from the City of Brandon said the GIG was a creative way to get youth involved in thinking of solutions for their community and environmental impacts.

"We liked how [GreenHouse] created a framework for students to follow in a short amount of time. We look forward to working together and bringing more partners into play to grow this initiative into a hot ticket item in Brandon." 

Reflecting on the event, Kasia McMillan from ProteinMB, shared that GIG plays a crucial role in advancing sustainability by connecting youth innovation with real-world applications, strengthening ties between academia, industry, and community.

“The innovative projects presented, particularly those focused on by product utilization underscored the immense potential for Manitoba to lead in green innovation. Additionally, the enthusiasm and forward-thinking mindset of the youth participants reinforced the importance of fostering a strong innovation ecosystem,” she said.

Students also described the event as a powerful learning experience, and momentum from GIG will continue through ongoing partnerships with FlintHub, the City of Brandon’s environmental initiatives, and Manitoba’s Climate Action Team.

GreenHouse will host another GIG in Whitehorse Yukon at Yukon University on April 3 and 5.