BCFSN Gathering 2009 - September 24th - 26th
BCFSN Gathering 2009 Theme
This year's Gathering will be an exciting one as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the Network. It will also be our first Gathering held somewhere other than Sorrento. This year we will be gathering from September 24th - 26th in the Chehalis community on the traditional territory of the Sto:lo people in the eastern Fraser Valley. The actual location will be the Chehalis Healing House, also known as Sts'ailes Lhawathet Lalem. Information about the venue can be found on their website.
Bioregionalism is the theme for the 2009 Gathering. Because the Gathering will be hosted in a different region this year, it seems like a fitting theme. A bioregion is an area defined by naturally occurring boundaries such as watersheds, terrain and soil. It is also cultural in nature and thus includes healthy associations between people, plants, animals and nature. These bioregions or eco-regions, could generally be self-sufficient with respect to local food systems and land use. When the local population makes choices that support the local ecology, economy and culture a bioregional consciousness is created. Promoting this sense of place enhances many of the principles the BC Food System Network values. Sustainable land use, enhanced Indigenous land interactions, empowered local communities and reduced carbon footprints are some examples of the benefits of healthy bioregionalism.
Registration Logistics
The Gathering 2009 Registration is now closed. If you have already notified Jen Gamble, our Gathering Co-ordinator, that you are coming and have not yet Registered, please contact her to discuss the possibilities. You can contact Jen by email: please use this email address by changing the [at] to @ in your email program: foodaction [at] youthpartners.ca or phone: 250.833.1158. If you have any problems reaching Jen, please use the contact form on the Network's website.
Gathering 2009 Information Documents are now available for download:
- New! Pre-Departure Information Sheet. This document contains useful information about what to bring and what you can expect when you get there. It is a MUST READ for all Gathering Participants!
- Final! Gathering Schedule Draft. This schedule outlines all the workshops, plenaries and activities of the Gathering. Updated 23 Sept 2009.
- Registration Information This important document includes information on registration deadlines, costs, the children's program, food, scholarships and what to bring. A must read for anyone planning on attending the Gathering! August 2009
- July 2009 Update Update from the Gathering Co-ordinator, Jen Gamble. Includes requests for help with various aspects of the Gathering, including the creation of a celebration of our 10th Anniversary as an organization.
- Directions to the venue in Chehalis As this year we are moving to a new venue, this document provides detailed maps to guide people there.
- Off-site Acccommodations For those who wish to stay off-site, this document provides a range of options and prices. Note that only on-site accommodations are covered in your registration fee.
This page of the website will be updated with additional information documents as they become available.
