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Are you an aspiring ecological farmer who wants hands on experience working the land and living in community? Land of Dreams Urban Farm & Cultural Center in Calgary, Alberta might be the place for you!
About the Farm
Land of dreams is located on treaty 7 territory, the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îethka Nakoda Nations (Chiniki, Bearspaw, Goodstoney), and the Otipemisiwak Métis Government (Districts 5 and 6)
Land of Dreams is a 30-acre urban community farm located on public land in Southeast Calgary. Guided by the wisdom of Blackfoot Elder Herman Many Guns and energized by various ethnic community associations, the farm serves as a sanctuary where newcomers discover belonging, community, and healing through connection to the land and its immemorial Indigenous history.
The farm nourishes far more than bodies, it provides food security while regenerating healthy soil, honouring diverse cultural food traditions, creating space for newcomers to explore parallels between Indigenous ways of being and their own ancestral practices, and nurturing authentic cross-cultural relationships. As a regenerative project, Land of Dreams builds bridges between regenerative agriculture practices and foraging (traditional for this area) while anchoring into deep cultural memory no matter where you are from.
A wide range of vegetables, herbs, and culturally meaningful crops are grown to support both community needs and local distribution. Honey production and pollinator stewardship are also integral parts of the farm’s ecological system.
Land of Dreams is a multicultural, multi-generational gathering place where newcomers, Indigenous Elders, and local residents come together to grow food and build relationships. Its medicine-wheel design and cultural programming make it a unique example of reconciliation-in-practice, guided by land-based learning and community wellbeing.
The work is driven by a desire to heal the land, strengthen community, and create meaningful opportunities for newcomers to access land in Canada and reconnect with their own food, culture, and sense of belonging. Farming here is as much about people and relationships as it is about production.
The farm follows regenerative agriculture principles: rebuilding soil health, encouraging biodiversity, composting, using pollinator-friendly practices, and incorporating perennial and native plants to create a resilient ecosystem.
Website: http://www.landofdreams.earth/
Facebook: @landofdreamsfarmcommunity
Instagram: @landofdreamsfarmcommunity
Our Workplace Culture
Land of Dreams Urban Farm and Cultural Centre as a new not for profit society does both the work of multicultural community building alongside production agriculture. We have First Nations staff who guide us in good ways and host our weekly Culture Market through the summer. We also have a Community Connector who assists grower participants in taking on leadership projects. We meet weekly to ensure we are cohesive in our work with several seasonal farm hands from various cultures helping with the tasks.
About the Farmers
Rod Olson is one of the original Urban Farmers in Calgary and is a founding member of YYC Growers – some refer to him as ‘the Rodfather’ of urban agriculture. Rod is passionate about the soil and its potential as a compelling, living system to take us confidently into the future. As a regenerative farmer, Rod is excited about the promise these practices have for increasing water-holding capacity, reversing climate change, increasing biodiversity, and increasing the nutrient density of our food.
About the Apprenticeship
Days may include planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, managing compost, tending pollinator spaces, and supporting seasonal farm projects. Depending on the schedule, apprentices may also assist with cultural programming, community events, or land-based learning activities. Work shifts with the seasons—busy during the growing months, more reflective or project-based in early spring and fall.
Apprentices receive hands-on training in regenerative farming, soil care, planting, harvesting, compost systems, and pollinator management. In addition, they may participate in cultural teachings, ceremonies, sharing circles, and land-based learning guided by Indigenous Elders and community leaders.
We have ceremony, celebrations and deep cultural learnings that come with the job. We also have a great library of farming, cooking and food related books. We are a member of the Market Garden Institute with education modules to assist with learning the skills of production market gardening.
The ideal duration of employment is from May 1 – September 26th (Fall Harvest Celebration).
The job requirements are:
- Must have driver’s licence and reliable transportation to the farm.
- Must be Canadian citizen or permanent resident and between the ages of 18-30 – to comply with wage subsidy requirements
Apprentices are willing to learn these skills:
- Assessing soil health in the field
- Assessing soil heath using soil testing
- Greenhouse management
- Crop planning & rotations
- Working in a zero/low-till system
- Seeding & transplanting
- Setting up irrigation
- Implementing weed control strategies
- Compost making & application
- Power tools operation
- Sharing talents & skills with community
- Record-keeping & basic bookkeeping
Compensation
We offer the wage of $18-$25/hour depending on experience, plus fresh produce.
About the Community
Calgary has a great local food community with lots of people involved in different projects from urban farming to community gardens and lots of restaurants interested in supporting the local food movement. When you’re here be sure to check out some of those awesome restaurants; River Cafe, Una Pizza and Wine as well as the Community market at the Alex Community Food centre (all places where our food ends up).
The summer in Calgary is never complete without hanging out at the river or going on a rafting trip in the sun. There is an awesome music scene with shows and festivals throughout the summer.
Accommodation
Accommodations: not available
This apprenticeship takes place within the city of Calgary, so while there is no on-site housing, there are many opportunities for renting.
We look forward to seeing you!
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