Cumberland House grows own produce on road to self-sufficiency
- Jessica Valois and Daeran Gall | April 08, 2015
The old model of 'feeding the world' is being replaced by giving people the resources to feed themselves.
The first settlement in Western Canada is now home to a blossoming river delta market garden.
Valerie Deschambeault, Mayor of Cumberland House, saw a need in her village of roughly 2,000 Aboriginal, Cree and Metis people, and knew growing self-reliant would leave a legacy for future generations.
"We want to work towards the long-term goal of creating a good, healthy food source and a medicinal herb concept for Aboriginal communities," she says.
With the help of Project Manager Murray Gray, the Northern Village of Cumberland House Market Garden Farm and Learning Centre launched in 2012. The goal is to grow, process, and store quality fruits and vegetables, while introducing and managing the initial working model of a "High-grow" tunnel-based garden for the community.
"High-grow" tunnel production has proven successful for 14 years on Gray's farm in Aylsham, Saskatchewan. High tunnels are a metal frame covered with a single layer of greenhouse-grade plastic. The high ceilings allow gardeners to comfortable enter and tend to plants even when it's raining. Plants are grown in biodegradable mulch in the ground. Produce grown in mulch in high tunnels has extended growing seasons, more frequent harvests, higher yields, and better tasting fruits and vegetables.
The community will now have access to produce that is locally grown, fresh and in-season without having to pay high premiums for low grade foodstuffs. High tunnels are significantly more affordable and viable alternative to greenhouse initiatives.
This exciting project has caught the attention of other communities in the North such as Stony Rapids, Fond du Lac and Ile-a-la-Crosse.
If you would like to support the project or find out more about it, contact Murray Gray by email or by phone (306) 276-8847 or Jessica Valois by email or (306) 717-8265.
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