Northern Programs Manager Myles King and Community Project Coordinator Myron Cook, travelled to Makeso Sakahikan (Fox Lake/Gillam) and O-Pipon-Na-Piwin (South Indian Lake) in July to continue fostering relationships with both communities.
Travelling to Makeso Sakahikan, the pair spent their two days with Northern partners and traditional harvesters checking nets on the Nelson river, visiting the cultural camp, trout fishing around the community and touring the community, along with a meeting with Chief and Council.
“The leadership meeting was intended to continue developing a relationship as the community is more familiar with the work Food Matters Manitoba does, and also to get an understanding of the region from our community partners,” says King.
Northern Programs Manager Myles King and Community Project Coordinator Myron Cook fishing in Makeso Sakahikan. Food Matters Manitoba
King and Cook’s visit to O-Pipon-Na-Piwin (South Indian Lake) included a meeting with Chief Shirley Ducharme and council, along with Food Security department representatives. During the meeting, FMM’s work, the organization’s goals, current programs, and how the organization can work together with leaders and the community were discussed.
“We met with the department representatives in the afternoon for a similar conversation, but with the topic moving to working together, as many departments act independently with similar goals,” adds King.
Meeting with O-Pipon-Na-Piwin leadership and council. Food Matters Manitoba
The pair were taken for a boat ride along the lake with O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation Jordan’s Principle, who told them about the history of the region and showed them a future community garden location.
By visiting the community, FMM can better understand how they can help support and work together with the community.
“The trip’s purpose was to gain a better understanding of the community and its people while highlighting our current work, how we work, and what we can do together in the future,” he says.
Both trips were a success, as the FMM team and communities continue to foster their relationship – working towards building local food systems together.
