By Christina Allain, board of directors member.
Slow Food in Canada – 2016 National Summit, Food Tour
of farms in the Upper Columbia Valley – Patty’s Greenhouse and Market Garden farm, Brisco, BC
Summit Activities
More than 70 Farmers, fishermen, chefs, academics and food activists from all across Canada gathered in Invermere, British Columbia, from April 6-10th for the 11th annual Slow Food Canada Summit.
In addition to conference presentations and working sessions, the participants enjoyed farm tours, beer tastings, a barn dance and gala dinner with Anita Stewart as the keynote speaker.
Slow Food in Canada – 2016 National Summit, Food Tour
of farms in the Upper Columbia Valley – Rick Tegart explains process of honey extraction, Upper Ranch near Radium, BC
The conference’s theme was Feeding the Future. There was a focus on food security, indigenous food systems and young food activists. Melissa Hemphill, coordinator of the food security organization Community Connections in Revelstoke, British Columbia, speaks about her participation: ‘‘I was so inspired by the attendees by what they’re doing in their communities and also their lifestyle. By having farmers, chefs and food activists at the conference, this brought real value because of their different perspectives. I learned about initiatives happening right here in neighbouring communities and we’ve already set a meeting after the conference to work together.’’ Alison Bell, the Slow Food Columbia Valley Leader and organizer of the conference says: ‘‘Organizing this conference really brought our local community together. It uncovered hidden potential and will serve as future culinary opportunities.” The attendees praised the local organizing team for putting up such an amazing conference down to the smallest details.
Slow Food in Canada – 2016 National Summit, Food Tour
of farms in the Upper Columbia Valley – Patty Nickisch, proprietor of Patty’s Greenhouse and Market Garden farm, Brisco, BC
Feeding the Future: Youth Participating
This was the most well attended conference by youth delegates in the history of Slow Food Canada Summits. The youth network has only been created last year at the last national summit in Montreal, Quebec. Since then, it has been one of the most active committees under Slow Food Canada. They’ve arranged a deal with the hosts to have a lower registration fee in exchange for volunteering at the conference.
Notice the third generation farmer in the picture above.
Elisa Dimechelis, International Representative from Slow Food International says: ‘‘I am excited to see so many youth getting involved. It brings very needed new ideas to the international movement.’’
Online Participation
As a volunteer based organization with limited resources, Slow Food Canada recognizes that not everyone can make it to the national summits. The conversations were extended online by having some speakers Skype in, broadcasting on Periscope and also on social media with the hashtag #SlowFoodCA16. Furthermore, the entire conference was recorded on video and a link will be posted on the website shortly. Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/slowfoodcanada and Twitter: www.twitter.com/slowfoodcanada
Moving forward
Slow Food Canada finally received their official non-for-profit status from the Canada Revenue Agency, which means they will have access to more fundraising opportunities. A fundraising committee has been struck and they will be able to pull from their members’ expertise. They’re also thinking creatively by looking at social enterprise models where they could sell products and services instead of strictly relying on grants.
To end with some very exciting news, Slow Food Cocagne Acadie will host the 2017 National Summit on New Brunswick’s east coast. Slow Food Columbia Valley has set the bar extremely high. The four New Brunswickers attendees profusely took notes. The conference will be held sometime between late April and early May. Mark your calendars!
The Slow Food Columbia Valley organizing team.
Christina Allain is originally from Bouctouche, New Brunswick. She’s been on the Slow Food Canada board of directors since 2014 and she’s also on the board of her local convivium, Slow Food Cocagne Acadie.
Wonderful recap! A lot of new faces which is so exciting! Alison can only do things well, and as you know I was so sad to miss the summit ( love the new name) this year, too! It looks like it was so warm, intimate and inspiring! Great recap and I am tickled to hear the next one is in NB – keep me posted! I will definitely be there! Xo
Thank you Valerie! See you next year!
Great summary – thanks for all your assistance with the Columbia Valley planning committee Christina –
keep in touch!
I was sorry to miss it this year but it was great to follow along with this on social media. Looks like an awesome event! Bravo to all the organizers, attendees, volunteers, and anyone else who contributed to making this happen. Nice write up 🙂 Thank you.
Hi Voula, Christina here. Thank you so much! It means a lot coming from you. I hope to see you in my neck of the woods on the east coast of New Brunswick in 2017. 🙂