Food Security and Land-based Connections
The Traditional Food and Harvesting Program aims to promote food security and food sovereignty of urban Indigenous people through the development of community knowledge and expertise in sustainable and culture-based production of traditional foods. In 2021, FENFC and the Dryden Native Friendship Centre were the two initial pilot sites chosen by OFIFC for this new program.
We grow white corn, beans and squash on four acres at Sexsmith Farm based on traditional practises and values. Local, fresh food is distributed through the food bank, programs and events. Over the past few years we have harvested more than 1000 lbs of corn for seed and soup. Our goal the first year was to harvest enough seed to last at least three years. We have been adding to that every year. We have brought in more than 600 lbs of squash and share a lot with the farm wild life 😊 Growing beans for seed has been the focus for the past few years. Adapting to our changing climate and learning to live with our wild life friends keeps us humble and always learning.
With the addition of our community raised beds at the Centre and our enhanced relationship with Sexsmith Farm, we also harvested hundreds of lbs of blueberries, cucumbers, potatoes, garlic, tomatoes, watermelon and herbs.
We have also had success each year harvesting maple sap and making our own syrup.
The ‘old ways’ of working together as a community to grow enough food to last all year speaks directly to the FENFC’s vision of Together for a Stronger Tomorrow. Access to traditional food includes the ability to cultivate the crops the community chooses and determines as viable and sustainable. Please join us in growing together all year long.
In addition to the farm partnership, FENFC planted a food forest on approximately four acres of our property, with special thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The area was covered thickly with invasive species, fallen trees and was inaccessible. Initial clearing of buckthorn and planting of a cedar hedge established an opportunity to enhance our property.
Through the Resilient Communities grant we were able to build eight raised community garden beds, a tea garden and an outdoor classroom. Pathways have begun to be established winding through and hazel nut trees.
Sacred medicines of sweetgrass and sage are also being cultivated.
Opportunities for land-based learning have been incorporated, as we reclaim and revitalize the natural landscape’s productivity.
The ongoing nurturing of our land has established connections among programs, buildings and natural habitat. It creates an environment where everyone is welcome.
For any additional information contact Debbie Sexsmith @ traditionalfood@fenfc.org
Nimaamaa Akii "My Mother Earth"
The Nimaamaa Akii (My Mother Earth) Program is a youth-driven project that was launched in 2024 with the support of the Laidlaw Foundation. This new project creates opportunities for community youth to connect with each other and with Mother Earth. This project works closely with the Traditional Food Program addressing local food sovereignty and food security.
Co-created land-based learning opportunities will include:
Sustainable Traditional Agriculture and community gardening.
Native plants and medicines that grow in our area. How to properly care for them, harvest them, or dry and hang them to preserve for later uses. Seed saving.
Landscape naturalization within our Food Forest, creating pathways, water features and healing spaces.
Upcoming workshop ideas include sweet grass braiding, bird feeders, seed bombs, mini egg carton greenhouses, willow harvesting and crafting, soap making, and many more.
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Please dress for the outdoor weather.
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Meals and snacks may be included.
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Honorariums will be given out for participation of three hours or volunteer hours can be accredited.
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Hat and T-shirt with our logo!
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Join us in creating a stronger bond among our community and Mother Earth! For any additional information contact Dee (Dante MacNaughton) @ akii2@fenfc.org
