Feasting for Change

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

SnawNawAs First Nation July 22nd

It was a gorgeous day in Snaw-naw-as when the community invited us back up to their land to celebrate in the 2^nd Annual Feasting for Change Event. Community Leader and Champion Vanessa Bob organized and supported the day. There were many excited and motivated helpers on that day.

Preparing the Fear Factyor this year which was blenderized McDonalds to show everyone how gross the food is and how you feel after eating it. A quarter pounder with fries and a coke were put in the blender.

We started preparing the pit cook. Jake Bob took the lead with support from South Island friends Lewis Williams and Earl Claxton Jr.

We also prepared salads, clams, crab and bbq salmon. It was amazing.

This day was full of fun, laughter and great people. We learned how to play Lahal, how to pit cook, to bbq salmon, cook deer, cut and cook crabs and so much more. We thank the Snaw-naw-as community for their hearts and passion for youth, community and food.

Monday, November 8, 2010

Saanich Nutrition Fair and Feast

On Oct 28th over 200 people came to the Tsawout community gym to share, learn and network around food, land and health.

The event was sponsored by the Saanich Adult Care Society, Feasting for Change, Vancouver Island and Coastal Communities Network and hosted in Tsawout community gym.

Over 27 exhibitors were invited and attended: The day was full of food tastings, nutrition booths, food demos and more.

Healthy Food, Healthy Families

FOOD IS MEDICINE

Traditional Food Demos
• Smoked Clams
• Native plant table and walk
• Medicine Plants with Anna Spahan

Health Care Info
• Dental Care and Screening
• Kidney and Heart Diseases
• Celiac, Diabetes, Diverticulosis information

Kids and Family Health
• Breast Feeding tips and how to feed your baby
• Fresh food sampling with recipes
• Exercise Expert

Community Wellness
• Naturopath information
• Gardening and composting Information
• How to cook your favourite foods

We ate a delicious meal created by Rose Jimmy and then watched a powerful movie shared to us all by Thomas Sampson - MOVIE - Teachings of the Tree People – Bruce Miller

Scianew Cedar Weaving

At the Scianew Feast in June Lydia offered some cedar to the group to help support them in learning more about weaving and the uses for cedar.

Lydia taught us how to weave cedar into headdresses, rope, bracelets, cedar roses. Her enthusiasm for the sacred cedar came through as she shared not only her skills but her teachings about how to treat cedar, and what cedar has to teach us. Many hands were busy around the table learning how cedar works and how to work with it to form many beautiful things. The items will be sold and proceeds with be used to fund Isabelle Charles's youth programs as they did not receive funding this year. Cedar weaving will happen again next week to continue making items for sale.

This community is hosting a First Nations Xmas Bazzar on Dec 4th and 5th. The community will be selling some of the weaving.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

GorgeWater Way Feast Aug 24rd, 2010

On August 24th 2010 the Gorge water Way Discover Centre, Feasting for Change and members of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nation came together to learn more about the territory, the land, food and culture of the KEMOTEN (the shortcut). The day focused on a Community Picnic and a variety of other activities:

A demonstration pit cook by Cheryl Bryce;
Delicious and beautifully presented pit cooked food
Baked Scow bread on sticks over the fire
Games of Lahal shared by August Thomas
Native plant planting by Township of Esquimalt arbourists and by attendees
Native vegetation walks led by Lewis Williams
Community mapping of special and meaningful places by UVIC Community Mapping Group
Information booths including a traditional medicinal tea table with Anna Spahan and Earl Claxton Jr