BCFSN Gathering 2010 - September 23rd - 26th
BCFSN Gathering 2010 Theme
The 2010 Gathering theme is Water. Water is the foundation of life. Every living species relies on it each day for sustenance; we swim in it, eat food from living organisms that must have water to exist, and many of the materials used in our everyday lives would not be available to us without water - from the shoes on our feet to the fuel in our vehicles, the book in our hands and the fabric that clothes us. Yet for such an essential component of life, it is often taken for granted by the 60% of the world's population that can turn on a tap to acquire all that they might want or need. By choosing water as our 2010 Gathering theme, the BC Food Systems Network seeks to foster an environment where water resources are not only acknowledged but cherished as an essential element of life and a sustainable food system.
Creating the Gathering Together
The Gathering is about connecting the people and utilizing the expertise within the Network. Therefore, we really want to encourage you to share your knowledge and ideas on how to make this Gathering a valuable experience for everyone interested in establishing healthy, community-based economies. If anyone would like to become more involved in the planning of the Gathering please contact the Gathering Co-ordinator. There are many areas that need your expertise! As usual we are looking to utilize the vast knowledge within our Network. We welcome your proposals on workshops, roundtable discussions, and practical activities related to the theme of water.
Gathering Location: Ymir in the traditional territory of the Sinixt People
Ymir (pronounced "why-mur") is a village of 233 people situated along the Salmo River. It is a 20 minute drive from Nelson and half an hour's drive from Castlegar, which also has an airport serviced by Air Canada daily. It is located in the region commonly referred to as the West Kootenays and which is the traditional territory of the Sinixt People. The Ktunaxa and Okanagan Nations also lived and travelled through this area. More information on Ymir can be found here. The Sinixt Nation have a long history of living on the waters and land of this region. Information on the Sinixt can be found online here. This map shows the location of Ymir and of the major current water ways of the region.
New! This year the Network will benefit from the welcome provided by the Village of Ymir and our access to the various venues in the Village that will enable us to hold our workshops, meetings and feasts. For a preview of the layout of the Village, download this Ymir road map. The Gathering events will be held in the old Schoolhouse, the Ymir Hotel, the "Palace", and the Community Hall - all within three blocks of each other. This detailed map shows the location of the various venues, with red boxes around those which will be part of the Gathering.
This page of the website will be updated with additional information documents as they become available.
Registration Form
Please complete the form below ASAP to hold your place. Please note that the dinner provided on thursday is light so if you have a big appetite, it would be wise to bring snacks or eat before you arrive.
Payment can be made by using the Donate Button on our homepage - look for the orange button. Payment can also be made by cheque: please make cheques payable to the BC Food Systems Network and mailed to be received well in advance of the event:
BC Food Systems Networkc/o Jen Gamble
410 - 1st Street S.E.
Salmon Arm, BC
V1E 4H5
Fields marked with an * are required.
