Growing self-reliance

As the signs of Spring become increasingly visible, cherry blossoms and longer days, my thoughts are drawn to the fields.

A major focus of my work is on salmon. For thousands of years, salmon was the primary source of health and wealth in the W̱SÁNEĆ territory.

But, traditionally the land produced incredible bounty as well.

When I get the opportunity to attend the CR-FAIR Farmer2Farmer events at the Saanich Fairgrounds, or the Islands Agriculture Show that is on this weekend, I speak to this.

There was a time not so long ago that this territory produced 100% of the food its people consumed.

But, in recent times our food is more of a mystery. Where does it come from? Who grows and processes it?

Walk the aisles of the supermarket and there is a seemingly endless amount of food. It’s an unparalleled variety, quantity, and quality. Never before have we had so much access to cheap food. Perhaps that is why we can spend so much time playing Fortnite.

Yet, at the same time our food supply and systems have never been so vulnerable.

So, when I am asked to provide opening comments at a local gathering of farmers, I offer my thankfulness for the land and the soil.

I also raise for them my soft, weak hands, and express my gratitude for their work. Because, it’s their strong well-worn hands, their effort and dedication, that ensures we do not allow our food production to get too far away from us.