Growing Connections and Belonging: Hillary Lindsay Receives the 2026 ISANS Award

Through her work with Common Roots Urban Farm, Hillary Lindsay has helped create welcoming spaces where newcomers can build connections, learn new skills and put down roots in their communities.

Building a new life in a new country takes courage, resilience and determination. Having opportunities to connect with others, share experiences and contribute to a community can make that journey easier. For nearly a decade, Hillary Lindsay has helped create those opportunities through her work with Common Roots Urban Farm in Halifax, earning her the 2026 ISANS Award.

Common Roots Urban Farm is more than a place to grow food. Its community gardens, teaching gardens and garden plots bring people together to learn, share knowledge and connect across cultures. Through gardening, participants can develop practical skills, build friendships and find a sense of belonging in their new community.

Hillary has played an important role in this work, helping lead Common Roots’ Woodside and BiHi Park farm sites. From sharing her knowledge of vegetable growing to supporting activities in the teaching gardens, she has helped foster inclusive environments where people feel welcome and valued.

Her work also creates opportunities for newcomers to participate in community life. Through volunteering, people can help prepare garden beds, care for crops, harvest produce, build infrastructure and support community activities. These shared experiences offer opportunities to learn new skills, contribute their time and connect with others.

For newcomers adjusting to a new environment, these connections can be especially meaningful. A shared interest in gardening can bring people together, encourage the exchange of knowledge and traditions, and help individuals feel more connected to the place they now call home.

Common Roots has recently entered a new chapter as part of the Ecology Action Centre, working alongside community partners including Nourish Nova Scotia, YWCA Halifax, Feed Nova Scotia and JustFOOD Halifax. Together, these organizations contribute to a broader vision of accessible food, community engagement and opportunities for people to participate and thrive.

The 2026 ISANS Award recognizes Hillary’s commitment to creating these opportunities and helping newcomers feel included in their communities. Her work demonstrates how welcoming spaces and meaningful opportunities to participate can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

At ISANS, we recognize that building a welcoming Nova Scotia takes collective effort. Through the dedication of community members like Hillary, newcomers can find opportunities to grow, contribute and build connections that help turn a new place into home.

Congratulations to Hillary Lindsay on receiving the 2026 ISANS Award and for helping our communities grow stronger, together.