Growing Belonging: How Agriculture, Newcomer Resilience, and Westlock’s Generosity are Revitalizing the Land
For many newcomers and refugees arriving in Alberta, the transition to a new life brings a profound longing for something familiar. For those with roots steeped in agriculture, that longing is tied directly to the soil. To these families, farming goes beyond being a job or a sector of the economy. For them, farming is a way of life and a profound responsibility.
This is the heartbeat behind Kurudi Mashambani, a Swahili phrase meaning "back to the land." This community-led initiative is dedicated to creating land access for newcomer farming families, advancing food sovereignty, and proving that when we share the earth, we grow far more than just food: we grow belonging.
Moving from an agrarian lifestyle to an urban centre can often feel like a disconnection from one's core self. By opening up pathways back to the land, Kurudi Mashambani provides a space for intercultural healing, dignity, and autonomy. At a time when food insecurity in Alberta affects an astonishing 1 in 4 households, this initiative offers a visionary path forward. Rather than relying on short-term emergency food aid, it empowers newcomer families to move from relying on food banks to becoming the very people who feed our communities. It is a transition rooted in dignity, allowing experienced farmers to do what they do best: nourish the soil and the people around them. Of course, a vision this big requires a solid foundation, and we found exactly that in the Town of Westlock.
When the Kurudi Mashambani team first met with local leadership, we hoped for a polite hearing. What we received instead was an overwhelming wave of genuine openness and relationship-driven hospitality. Westlock is a community that knows exactly who it is: agriculture-forward, innovation-friendly, and deeply proud of its farming heritage. They recognized that the integration of newcomer farmers isn't a charity project, but rather a beautiful opportunity for knowledge exchange, rural revitalization, and agricultural diversification.
Thanks to the forward-thinking generosity of the Town of Westlock, Westlock Terminals, and the Gateway Research Organization, Kurudi Mashambani has officially secured 5 acres of land. This summer, newcomer families will begin cultivating the land, planting crops like corn, sesame, and regionally compatible vegetables, while simultaneously launching a specialized apiary (honey bee) pilot in Athabasca County to promote local biodiversity.
While we are clear-eyed about the economic, regulatory, and logistical challenges that come with launching a new agricultural pilot, the shared optimism between our organizations and the Westlock community is unshakeable. As we step into this first growing season, we are focusing our efforts on transforming this dormant acreage into a thriving, bustling farm. This means equipping our farmers with the physical tools of the trade, from irrigation supplies and seeds to beehives and a portable sawmill to build on-site structures.
Our partners have shown us what is possible when communities lead with their hearts and their histories. By sharing land and expertise, we are together helping to write a new chapter of Canadian agriculture, where diverse hands work together to build a more inclusive and food-secure Alberta.
Stay tuned for updates as we watch this beautiful partnership sprout, grow, and bloom this summer!