FARM JOB: CHASE, BC – Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty, CWELC CWELT KUC “We are Well” Garden Manager

The Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty in Secwepemc territory (Chase, BC), is seeking a CWELC CWELT KUC “We are Well” Garden Manager!

Discipline: Decolonizing Regenerative Agriculture, Eco- cultural Restoration, Indigenous food sovereignty
Duration: Permanent full time/Seasonal
Location: Neskonlith IR #1, Secwepemc territory (Chase, BC)
Start Date: As soon as possible.
Remuneration: Negotiable $27.04 – $31.20 per hour depending on experience. As per Kamloops Food Policy Council pay schedule.

Background

The Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty (WGIFS) was founded in 2006 out of a recognized need to carry Indigenous voice and vision in food systems research, action, and policy. The WGIFS has since become an internationally recognized grassroots organization consisting of Indigenous knowledge holders, scholars, researchers, practitioners, representatives of community, regional, tribal and inter-tribal networks and non-profit organizations. Our work has been foundational to the building of an Indigenous Food Systems Network consisting of social actors who see the critical need to reconceptualize frameworks for food security indicators and integrate decolonizing regenerative food systems with Indigenous foodland conservation. We work within a holistic health, regenerative life-giving Indigenous paradigm to apply Indigenous land and water ethics to the protection, maintenance and conservation of Indigenous biodiversity in the extended hunting, fishing and gathering corridors in the territory.

The WGIFS is seeking a full time Garden Manager for the Cwelcwelt Kuc “We are Well” Garden Project on Neskonlith Indian Reserve near Chase, BC. The project engages Neskonlith/Adams Lake and Little Shuswap family members, as well as members of the Indigenous Food and Freedom School (IFFS) cohorts, and relevant communities of practice in growing, harvesting, sharing, and caring for food from a framework of Decolonizing Regenerative Agriculture and eco-cultural restoration. The project is intended to increase the capacity of the IFFS cohorts and Secwepemc to lead and “live the reality” of Indigenous food sovereignty.

         1. Purpose of Garden Manager position

Work with the project team to manage the day-to-day operations of planting and maintaining the Cwelcwelt Kuc – “ We are Well” Garden and related infrastructure on Neskonlith IR #1.

2. WGIFS Project Team 

Shawn Billy, Garden Planning Coordinator and Watchmen Development Lead

Dawn Morrison, Director/Curator of Research and Relationships

Land Based Healing Coordinator *tbd

Secwepemc Chapter of the WGIFS

Indigenous Food and Freedom School Cohorts

Consultants/Researchers/Contractors

Project Partners

The Garden Manager is an employment opportunity administered by the Kamloops Food Policy Council on behalf of the Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty. The successful candidate will report to Dawn Morrison, Director/Curator.

3. Responsibilities  – The Garden Manager will report to Supervisor, Dawn Morrison, WGIFS Director/Curator.

• Engage and knowledge holders/advisors/cohorts/consultants to map and design gardens complete with seed selection and saving seeds of heritage varieties.
• Ongoing – management of the day-to-day operations of the garden including planting, weed management, soil preparation, disease monitoring/control, compost, and irrigation, and coordination of work parties and casual on call labourers.
• Record keeping of growing and harvesting programs, ie. daily log of activities, inventory, climate change, cataloguing of seeds, etc.
• Order all necessary garden-related materials and supplies according to WGIFS budget and procedures (acquiring approvals as needed).
• Assist with the recruitment process for garden staff and volunteers.
• Maintain a list of things to do for the project team and volunteers including wedding, watering, planting, etc.;
• Supervision and evaluation of casual on call labour/workers and volunteers.
• Assist with the development of: 1) wise practices for engaging community in the garden in a land based healing and learning approach, 2) culturally responsive food sharing and trading values, principles and protocols, 3) food harvesting, processing and storage skills and knowledge, 3) COVID safety protocols (as required), and other necessary knowledge and information;
• Work closely with the project team and volunteers to coordinate, implement,and evaluate all aspects of garden harvesting and preparation for community food sharing, caring and trading programs including assisting with market planning and selling of surplus fruits and vegetables when appropriate;
• Monitoring budget allocated to expenses, garden operations and casual on-call labour. (Forthcoming).
• Provide regular communications, updates and reports to project team and community members and participate in team meetings as requested and provide input into the development of grant proposals.

Please email resume and cover letter to Dawn Morrison dawn.morrison@wgifs.org, and Shawn Billy shawn.billy@wgifs.org.

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Learn More About the Working Group on Indigenous Food Sovereignty

Website: https://indigenousfoodsystems.org/