Urban Aboriginal Community Kitchen Garden Project
The urban aboriginal community kitchen Gardenworks with people who have become disconnected from their home communities – which are usually rural – and tries to reconnect them with the Earth by being a bridge between what is healthy in modern culture and traditional culture.
The Garden started in early 2005 when the Musqueam Community Kitchen Garden realized that they were no longer using all of their garden space, at the UBC Farm, and the Farm told the Urban Aboriginal community that they were looking for a group to share it with. We called a community meeting and about 30 people showed up. Together we formed a steering committee; we then started planting right away because it was almost May. Over 200 people came out that first year. A strong core group formed and lasted the whole year.
Today, we steward a half acre of land at UBC Farm in partnership with the Musqueam Community Kitchen Garden. We help people from East Vancouver get out to the Farm by vanpooling or bussing to our garden, where we collectively grow veggies, fruit, and medicines. We use the food for community kitchens and canning, and use the medicines for healing, offerings, and ceremonies. Although the funding has slowed down a little this year, we have built a ton of capacity, and are able to continue with the support of local funders such as Vancity Credit Union. Of course, the UBC Farm still gives us a lot of support.
I feel so blessed to be able to work with so many amazing people, and to get my hands dirty in such a beautiful place. Each year we have celebrations in May (Blessing of the Land) and September (Harvest Festival), where we celebrate aboriginal cultures and spiritualities, the seasons, as well as the tasty and healthy food that we grow together.
People love coming out to see eagles flying around, to pick berries, or to soak up the sunshine. It is a perfect bike ride from East Van on a Saturday. You can hang out at the market and maybe you’ll want to buy a slice of fresh baked bannock, some home-made jam, or organic coffee from our table.
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