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Gendun Drubpa Buddhist Centre in Williams Lake was established in 2012 to provide a place in the community for people to access Buddhist teachings, meditation, or just quiet space for spiritual contemplation. Part of a world-wide network, the centre is affiliated with the parent organization known as the Foundation for the Preservation of the Mahayana Tradition (FPMT). The centre has hosted numerous workshops and classes with resident FPMT and travelling teachers and offers peace and insight through Dharma teachings, which develop understanding in how to lessen suffering and bring greater happiness. Part of integrating these teachings into our daily life comes from sitting in meditation or contemplation. Regular classes on meditation are also provided.
Little can compare to the first bite of a freshly picked veggie, grown yourself or by a friend or neighbour. You can imagine how it formed from a tiny seed and was nurtured by careful hands, fed by nutrients in the soil, and quenched by the rain and the sunshine.
Visitors to the 12th annual Seedy Saturday taking place May 2 in Williams Lake will get a taste of that biological wonder and more as our community celebrates that amazing process and the local gardeners and farmers who put so much attention and passion into their craft.
The event, co-organized by the Williams Lake Food Policy Council and the Williams Lake Farmers Market, provides an opportunity to stock up on local seedlings and seeds, to mingle with folks from our wonderful community and with fellow gardeners and farmers, and to share in the spirit of spring.
It also promotes plant biodiversity, heritage and organic gardening, and seed sovereignty—the right of farmers to save, use, exchange, and sell their own seeds. It’s important we cherish a food system that respects the ecological processes, our health, social justice, and traditional agricultural methods.
The event will include numerous garden and market vendors, educational displays and demonstrations, as well as Fennel Cup Food Truck and Big Dog Hot Dogs to satisfy growling tummies. LeRae Haynes and Friends, Harry Jennings, and Sharon Hoffman have also confirmed their presence, providing some listening entertainment while guests tour around.
As this is a family event, be sure to bring the kids, who will get to enjoy some dirty, hands-on activities just for them and their caregivers. The Potato House will again have compost for sale, and the Cariboo Chilcotin Conservation Society will ensure the event is zero waste.
Members from the Williams Lake Garden Club will also share their gardening passion and accept seedlings and extra seeds to share with others. They will chat about their latest Seed Library initiative, as well.
Visitors can learn about the Memory Garden Community Garden and how to sign up for a free garden bed, as well as how to help support local food and food security in the Cariboo.
“Last year this joint event was buzzing with happy vendors, musicians and visitors,” says Seedy Saturday organizer Deb Radolla. “We invite everyone to join us for this collaborative gathering.”
Seedy Saturday will take place at the Cariboo Memorial Recreation Complex parking lot, next to Kiwanis Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May. 2. Visit the Williams Lake Food Policy Council or Williams Lake Farmers Market Facebook pages for regular updates on who and what else will be there, as more and more is being added to the day’s offerings. -GG
Erin Hitchcock is the food-action co-ordinator for the Williams Lake Food Policy Council and is passionate about seed sovereignty and food security.
