A Glimpse Into the Deanery Project

Nestled in a forested, sheltered cove of the Atlantic Ocean, is the Deanery Project, an environmental arts and education centre that hosts many intriguing buildings, workshops, projects, and art installations. It is located in Lower Ship Harbour, on Nova Scotia's Eastern Shore of Mi'kma'ki. Visitors and students come here to experience creative natural building techniques, to learn about permaculture, to help out on the land, discover community, collaborate on an art installation, and/or to join a group for one of the wide-ranging programs. Here, one can find everything from a solar wood kiln to to retreat facilities to an emerging sound studio.This Shared Ground episode gives a little overview of the Deanery Project, which is no small task given the scope and energy of the place!Join host Amanda Bostlund as she talks with a few different folks about this special place, including an interview with the Executive Directo,r Kim Thompson, who imparts her love for learning, art, social justice and sustainability into everything she does.As well as getting a brief tour of the grounds and some of the cool things happening, the conversation with Kim touches on the potential of social enterprise, participatory action research, and greenwood construction.Kim Thompson is passionate about nature, family, natural building, art, traditional skills and community. In 1993 with the help of friends, family and curious community members she built her straw bale home in Ship Harbour, the first of its kind in Eastern Canada. Drawing on that experience she continued to design, build and produce educational materials to help support a growing network of people committed to natural, low impact building methods. An adjunct instructor with the School of Architecture since 1998, Kim is deeply committed to creating experiential, educational opportunities for pre and post secondary students at the Deanery, and welcomes anyone interested to learn and become involved with the variety of things going on there.RESOURCES:See the Deanery's website and their new facebook page to find out about upcoming programs, open houses, and events. About The Path We Share, from the Signal in 2016 Mi'kmaw Moons facebook page Trails, Tales, and Spruce Tea podcast with hosts shalan joudry and Frank Meuse