Close
This spring, food producers, aspiring farmers, and food heroes from across the Northwest gathered at Tea Creek Farm to get their hands in the soil and celebrate Indigenous Food Sovereignty in action. More than 20 varieties of potatoes being stewarded by Tea Creek were ready to fill the rows as many hands joined the Tea Creek Crew for a vibrant potato planting and crop transplanting workbee—nurturing the land while planting the seeds for this season’s harvest.
After a rewarding morning in the fields, everyone was treated to an incredible feast that honoured traditional foods—featuring potatoes, sea lion, and herring roe. As plates were filled, traditional names for herring roe were shared: Gyoos (Sm’algyax, Tsimshian) and Ts’um’ush (Island Hul’q’umi’num’, Salishan). Attendees also learned the roe has different names depending on whether it’s harvested from kelp or hemlock. Special thanks to the amazing chefs who brought the meal to life, to Rustica Bakery for the morning fuel (pastries) and Fukasaku for sourcing and sending some of the local seafood.
The experience was both grounding and inspiring—connecting people to the land, the food, and each other. After thousands of plants, seeds, and potatoes were lovingly tucked into the soil, participants were invited to bring seed potatoes, plants, and seeds back to their own gardens, farms, and communities.
We are deeply grateful to Tea Creek and the Indigenous Food Sovereignty Association (IFSA) for hosting this powerful event. As an award-winning, Indigenous-led, culturally safe, land-based food sovereignty and trades training initiative, Tea Creek continues to be a leader in building skills, nurturing traditions, and fostering connection through food and farming.
This was more than just a day in the dirt—it was a celebration of learning, community, and a shared vision for a nourished, sovereign future.
This project was made possible with funding from the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction and facilitation from the Public Health Association of British Columbia and Food Banks BC.
Learn more: phabc.org/cfsd