LFFC Indigenous-led workshop series: The Food Around Us
Posted: June 6, 2022
Categories: GoodFoodBites
The Local Food and Farm Co-ops (LFFC) is hosting an Indigenous-led workshop series this summer, featuring traditional teachings, Elder knowledge and innovative food sovereignty initiatives, with hybrid in-person and virtual options.
The series is led by Arlene Meekis-Jung, an Anishinaabe-kwe knowledge keeper based in Sioux Lookout and Indigenous Relations Coordinator for LFFC, in partnership with the Sioux Lookout Public Library.
Session information has been copied below.
Session #1 – Tuesday June 14th: Traditional foods and plants
This historical perspectives of Anishinaabe peoples from the area including examples of the medicines and foods that were utilized.
Session #2 – Tuesday June 28th: Regional growers, AgriTech North
Featuring AgriTech North, a Métis-led innovative food sovereignty initiative producing fresh produce via an indoor year-round farm. AgriTech North plans to distribute all across Northwest Ontario with their new innovative model of farming.
Session #3 – Tuesday July 12th: Regional growers, Parrs Jars
Featuring Parrs Jars, a local prepared food business also co-founder of the 807 Food Co-op Inc. providing local food box kits for pick-up in the Dryden area.
Session #4 – Tuesday July 26th: Blueberry knowledge with Elder Sally Bunting of North Spirit Lake
Coinciding with the Blueberry Festival in Sioux Lookout, these teachings are going to be about the importance of the blueberry to the health and wellbeing of the Anishinaabe people.
Session #5 – Tuesday August 9th: Regional Animal Husbandry
This session will discuss the importance of local abattoirs, meat producers in the region and the importance of value-added meat products
Session #6 – Saturday August 26th: Medicine walk (in person only)
This special in-person Saturday family-friendly session closes off the workshop series with a 2-hour Medicine walk exploring the Cedar Bay Trail led by host, Arlene Meekis-Jung. Bring your children and the whole family! Arlene will be collecting medicines from other areas, and giving teachings about the medicines she knows from the area. These teachings are designed to be intergenerational, reaching a wide audience of all ages.