UBC Students visit the Galiano Food Program and the Cable Bay Project
Prior to our visit to Galiano, our team of seven city gals expected a lot of labour intensive field work in less-than-ideal weather. However, we were not expecting the incredible hospitality, local food, and educational experiences that Galiano and its community members had to offer. Between a tasting of apples from Sunshine farm, a fantastic dinner comprised of house-smoked salmon and local Cable Bay produce, as well as a tasty breakfast prepared by Alison Colwell at the community hall, we were thoroughly exposed to all of the bounty that the island has to offer. Finishing our visit off with a few hours preparing soup from locally harvested produce in the community kitchen was a perfect way to “close the loop” of the food system we had been examining. Our visit to Galiano was the best example any of us had ever seen of “building a community through food.” The use of the honor system to distribute goods, and volunteer labour being happily exchanged for fresh vegetables, are merely dreams for greater Vancouver. We were shocked to learn of the huge variety of food the island is already able to grow, and to see that Galiano residents are so willingly involved in their food system.
We would like to thank the owners of the Weaver’s Cottage, Lynn Jennings and Peter Reiner, and the Captain’s Quarters, the Schnare’s, for providing such great accommodation for the seven of us over our weekend stay. As well, we would like to thank Janice, Alison, Leo and Jane for having spent so much being our guides and ensuring we had the opportunity to see the highlights of what Galiano has to offer. Further thanks to all those we had the privilege of meeting during our stay (Roger and Lisa Pettit, Henny and Thomas Schnare, Sharon Masui, Therese Ramond) and who took the time to answer our questions. Without having visited Galiano Island, our group would not have been able to fully comprehend the scope of the island’s ability and efforts towards achieving a secure food system and promoting a sustainable lifestyle. We look forward to returning to Galiano to lend a helping hand and witness any further progress of their already admirable food system.
As part of the ongoing fruit tree project a wonderful opportunity has come our way: the chance to learn about planting fruit trees and bushes up at Sunshine Farm.
On October 8th the Galiano Club’s Blackberry Festival was held. For decades now, the Club has been holding a Blackberry Tea/Festival on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. No one seems to know exactly when it began, only that it is an island tradition. The Blackberry Tea is the main fundraiser of the Galiano Club. If anyone does remember when it began please contact us at 2175. We would love to be able to document the beginnings.
For me, the harvest season brings out deep and ancient yearnings for tribe, clan or family…. What ever that is that makes us feel safe, loved and gives us the sense of belonging to something bigger. Since the industrial revolution and the shift to the nuclear family model something changed how we played out the bringing in of food to carry us over the dark and cold months of the year. An isolation from the larger group began to form. We are inherently a tribal animal….. for tens of thousands of years we relied on one another for survival. It is only through study that we begin to understand these vague yearnings for ritual and togetherness.
For decades now Galiano residents have relied on regular transportation of food if not by our own steam than one of the storeowners here. But like most other places in North America both urban and rural there has been an awakening to the prospect of rekindling our agri CULTURE. It’s not just that we are preparing for the oil situation to force us in to local production; it’s much richer than that…. It seems to me that humans actually not only enjoy watching the fruits of our labour, but that we like to do it in a group !
Friday, October 21st, at 1:30pm at the South Hall, we’ll meet to prepare, cook and divide up the two Giant pumpkins donated by Roger and Lisa at Sunshine Farms.
USING PREMIUM SEED AND A LARGE AREA TO PLANT IN at the end of Morgan Road in a quiet tree-rimmed field. Regular work parties (approximately one per month) for 10 months lasting 1 1/2 – 2 hours each; participation level determines volume of garlic received. 1200 premium Boundary Garlic cloves going in: Porcelains and two types of purple stripe: Persian Star and Chestnut Red all are hard neck producing scapes in the Spring. Cost of membership is $20, which covers seed and amendments, the Food Program is covering coordinating costs. This year we will have the helping hands of 6 UBC students to turn the earth in the new bed as part of their agricultural studies. FIRST ‘PARTY’ WILL BE TUESDAY, OCT 11 AT 4:00 , planting Mon.Oct 17 at 4:00 EMAIL IN YOUR PARTICIPATION OR SIMPLY SHOW UP WITH GLOVES, SHOVEL, FORK and wood ash if possible.
When I volunteered to provide corn on the cob for the Community Picnic on behalf of the Galiano Emergency Program, little did I realize how much was involved. It wasn’t just a matter of arranging for the purchase of the corn – it was also planning for the shucking, cooking, and serving of the ears, as well as arranging for disposal of the cobs and husks.
Applefest Returns!!