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Are you an aspiring farmer who wants hands-on experience integrating organic farming with indigenous culture, practice and knowledge? Ntamtqen Community Garden & Food Hub in Cawston, BC, might be the place for you!
About the Farm
Ntamtqen Community Garden & Food Hub is located on Smelqmix (Similkameen) community land of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band of the Syilx nation. The Band welcomes you to their traditional unceded territory to share in building this community led vision.
The farm sits on 7.5 acres of on-reserve community land, which has a farming history of being an organic mixed vegetable farm, a hay field and Similkameen Native Organic Produce.
Ntamtqen Community Garden & Food Hub has been a community vision for decades, now becoming tangible on this community land. Coming from a culture where land is cherished and respected, Ntamtqen aims to uphold the values and traditions of the Smelqmix people. The land on which this vision is being built is a central part of community land, meaning it belongs to no one specific. This underscores the intention to create the garden for the people and for future generations, supporting the community to thrive as one.
The community garden is an organic operation producing a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, cultivated in both field and greenhouse settings. The team is also developing a native plant nursery and integrates traditional foods and medicines into their work. Produce is made available for free or by donation to support food-insecure community members from both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Over the next year, they are completing significant onsite infrastructure, including a commercial food processing facility (commercial kitchen, walk-in cooler, and walk-in freezer), a root cellar, a learning centre, and a workshop.
This large-scale community garden and food hub provides numerous opportunities for economic development within the community while strengthening local food security. They are particularly focused on expanding greenhouse production in 2026.
“Providing food security for all and supporting our community, in the sharing and learning of cultural knowledge is essential. Delivering support for our elders, single parent families and low income households and poverty reduction is a priority.”
Website: ntamtqencommunity.garden
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ntamtqen-Community-Garden
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ntamtqencommunitygarden
Workplace Culture
Ntamtqen team values supporting personal development, honest sharing about where everyone’s at and what they need, and looking after one another. The farm team works collaboratively to ensure tasks are well planned and completed, while remaining adaptable to shifting priorities.
The operation is supported by a core group that includes administration staff, farm and garden managers, carpentry and maintenance support, native plant nursery researchers, and program development staff. In addition to this core team, the farm also relies on many committed volunteers, partners, collaborators, and contract workers who contribute to the success of the community project.
About the Farmers
Dixon Terbasket: Dixon’s passion for organic farming traces back to when he was a child working in the garden and orchards, then in 1978 when he started Similkameen Native Organic Produce, a pioneering venture in certified organic farming during the 1980s. Following a 15-year hiatus dedicated to the Okanagan Nation as a Traditional Ecological Knowledge Keeper while still gardening, Dixon returned to his roots in farming, driven by a deep-seated commitment to community well-being and sustainable food systems. Dixon channels his wealth of experience and expertise from working with the land and in farming into managing the community garden and food hub.
Hannah Field: Hannah serves as the Garden and Food Hub Coordinator, entrusted with a comprehensive range of responsibilities crucial to the project’s success. Hannah’s role extends to strategic planning, budget and resource allocation, grant writing and reporting, and community engagement initiatives as well as getting out on the land to work with volunteers and programs. She brings a background in permaculture, smallholding, working with farmers, forestry, project and partnership management, and collaborative processes.
A community of mentors: All team members have the capacity to act as mentors in different knowledge and skills. The team also connects with local knowledge holders for different tasks as needed.
About the Apprenticeship
A day on the farm starts with a review of what’s been happening and what needs to happen that day and week, including a safety review on a regular basis. The daily tasks will vary depending on season and need, responding to development on site.
Some key tasks and activities for 2026 are:
- Installing irrigation system for the new orchard
- Planting the new orchard of apple trees grown at Ntamtqen
- Developing greenhouse production
- Growing the majority of plants from seed
- Working with volunteers and groups who support on the variety of tasks at the farm
- Feeding and caring for chickens
- Using the tractor, rototiller, and tools
- Construction of infrastructure related to the farm
The ideal duration of employment is March 15 – November 15, 2026.
The job requirements are:
- Some experience or knowledge in organic food production, with a willingness to learn and grow skills
- Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to research solutions when needed and share findings with the team
- Collaborative and flexible, able to adapt to day-to-day activities as they arise
- An understanding of the importance of Indigenous food security and sovereignty
- Ideally, lived experience in Indigenous communities, or a willingness to learn about and show respect for Indigenous culture and history
- Personable and able to work with a diverse range of people, including volunteers and community partners
Useful skills:
- Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook to support administrative and planning activities
- Construction skills
Apprentices are willing to learn these skills:
- Techniques to encourage plant diversity
- Techniques to integrate cropping & livestock
- Feeding & watering animals, Culling animals
- Greenhouse management
- Seeding & transplanting Setting up irrigation, Cover-cropping, Harvesting crops, Crop storage / preservation
- Seed-saving
- Compost making & application
- Truck & tractor basic operation, Truck & tractor troubleshooting & maintenance, Hand & power tools operation
- Networking with new people
- Record-keeping & basic bookkeeping
Compensation
The wage is $18/hour.
Subject to wage subsidy funding, this position may require applicants to be between the ages of 19-30.
About the Community
Community gathers on the farm! Many people are involved in its activities, and in 2025 more than 150 volunteers contributed their time and support. Community meals are held frequently, offering opportunities to work, eat, and share together.
Outside of the farm, Cawston is a charming rural community nestled in the Similkameen Valley, known for its orchards, farms, vineyards, and stunning mountain scenery. The area offers outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and river activities, alongside seasonal farmers’ markets and local festivals that celebrate food, wine, and the arts. With a close-knit community and easy access to nearby towns, it combines the tranquility of rural life with vibrant local culture.
The farm is located just a few kilometres outside the town of Cawston, 15 km from Keremeos, 15km from Osoyoos and approximately 60 km from Penticton, the nearest major city.
Accommodation
Accommodations: Options negotiable – please reach out if you need accommodation!
Ntamtqen Community looks forward to seeing you!
