Plant, Grow, Eat, Save, Repeat: Seed Sovereignty in Northwestern Ontario

Join local seed producers, researchers, and activists for part (or all!) of this 2-day seed sovereignty event to learn about the interdependent relationships between people and seeds. To register (it’s free!) go to: https://efao.ca/event/seed-sovereignty-nw/.

This event is hosted by Lakehead University in partnership with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, Roots Community Food Centre, Superior Seed Producers, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, Lake Superior Living Labs Network, and Understanding Our Food Systems.

1) Seed-Human Relationships Panel Discussion

Thursday, Sept. 19, 7:30-9:00pm ET (virtual and in-person)

Hear from panellists about seed initiatives in northwestern Ontario and beyond, including a landrace watermelon breeding project happening in Thunder Bay!

You are welcome to attend the panel in person at Roots Community Food Centre (450 Ft. William Rd, Thunder Bay) or join online! A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants.

Panellists include Evalisa McIllfaterick (Root Cellar Gardens), Manish Kushwaha (Gaia Organics), Kay Everts (Going to Seed), and Tayohseron:tye Nikki Auten (First Nations Technical Institute).

2) Seed Saving Workshop, Watermelon Tasting & Seed Garden Tours in Thunder Bay

Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, 9:00am-4:00pm ET (in-person only)

Take part in a full day of seedy fun! The day will begin with a workshop on seed saving and then participants will be invited to collect seeds from a variety of vegetable crops provided by Superior Seed Producer members. Participants will also see firsthand the process of selecting and harvesting seed from some of the plants growing in the Roots Community Food Centre Urban Farm.

Afterwards, participants will be treated to a watermelon tasting of various northern-hardy watermelons, and will be invited to save the seeds from the variety they like the best! After the watermelon tasting, we will have a break for lunch (please bring a lunch with you).

In the afternoon, participants are invited to tour several seed gardens in and around Thunder Bay. Limited transportation is available from Roots Community Food Centre Urban Farm to the seed garden tours. Please indicate when you register if you are in need of transportation.