Cultivating Community with Berries

When the Xwchíyò:m Cheam First Nation first purchased a nearby derelict blueberry farm, it fell under economic development. The question was, how could these acres of berries build funds for the community?

 

But before long, the focus shifted. And instead of it being solely a business venture, the band developed a new plan: How could cultivating berries build community, food security, and healthy land?

 

That’s when the farm became integrated into the Cheam Pathways Program – a community initiative to help members balance employment, personal development, and land-based healing. It’s a holistic, community-based approach that combines paid work with cultural support.

 

Members of the Pathways program work the farm, including harvesting berries, preparing new garden beds for future planting, and running the U-Pick station. Two farm managers, Brandt and Mark, work alongside their staff, sharing what they know about regenerative farming.

 

It’s reconnecting to the cyclical nature of our ecosystem, nurturing the land, sharing nature’s bounty with others, and collaborating with other people. And working really hard.

 

As a no-spray, regenerative blueberry farm, the team relies on cover crops to build fertility in the soil. There’s a symbiotic relationship between the plants who bring nourishment from deep within the soil, the beneficial insects, and the mycelial network that connects everything together. The birds take their share as well.

 

Pathway members pick berries and gift them to elders. Xwchíyò:m community members can U-Pick by donation. And the wider community can U-Pick for just $2/lb or $4/lb pre-picked. The low price is in keeping with Xwchíyò:m Cheam First Nation’s commitment to food accessibility and food sovereignty. It’s sharing the gift of healthy food for nourished bodies.

 

Everything about the farm builds community, food security, land stewardship, and belonging. It’s one of the ways that we can care for the land, people, and our bodies.