"Gitigaanike" is an Ojibwe word that means "to make a garden." It is also the name of the Red Lake Nation Local Food Initiative. On February 26th Gitigaanike is teaming up with the Land Stewardship Project to hold aFarm Dreams workshop at Seven Clans Casino in Red Lake MN. Foods Initiative Coordinator David Manuel stopped by our studios to tell us about it, with Farm Dreams Director Amy Bacigalupo from the Land Stewardship Project on the phone.
Farm Dreams workshops were created for people dreaming of farming and wondering what it takes to get started. The workshop covers the steps to starting a farm--including considerations, resources, needs, passion, and vision. It also includes perspectives from an experienced farmer. It is a first step into a farming vocation--with a focus on taking care of the land. The Land Stewardship Project also offers a year-long "Farm Beginnings" course, and a "Journeyperson" course.
The Farm Dreams workshop in Red Lake is open to everyone. It starts with lunch at 11 a.m., and is followed at noon by a 4-hour workshop. More information is available online at 4directionsdevelopment.com and on theGitigaanike Facebook page.
Listen to the full interview with David and Amy (below) for more information about the purpose and activities of Gitigaanike and the Land Stewardship Project.
