This event is hosted by Lakehead University’s Sustainable Food Systems Lab in partnership with the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, Roots Community Food Centre, Superior Seed Producers, Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority, Lake Superior Living Labs Network,  Understanding Our Food Systems, the Food Action Network of Northwestern Ontario, Gaia Organic Seeds, and Root Cellar Gardens.

Join local seed producers, researchers, and gardeners for part (or all!) of this 2-day event celebrating our community and collective ability to protect our seeds, grow food and community, and learn together.

Friday August 29, 7:00pm to 8:30pm: Local to Global Perspectives on Seed Sovereignty Panel Discussion (online, or in-person)

Join us for a roundtable discussion exploring the vital role that seeds play in food systems, culture, and sovereignty. Speakers will weave together stories, struggles, and strategies from across Ontario, Indigenous territories and global movements including the upcoming Nyéléni Food Sovereignty Forum. From the ground beneath our feet to international efforts for seed justice, this discussion connects diverse voices committed to protecting and reclaiming seeds and our food systems for future generations.

You are welcome to watch the panel in person at Roots Community Food Centre (450 Ft. William Rd, Thunder Bay) or join online! A Zoom link will be sent to all registrants. 

Saturday August 30, 10:00am – 4:30pm: Field Tours and Watermelon Tasting (in person)

This Saturday event will begin at Roots Community Food Centre Lillie Street Garden at 125 Lillie St., Thunder Bay at 10:00am. Field tours will conclude at Root Cellar Gardens in South Gillies at 3:30pm. Return to Lillie Street Garden by 4:30pm. Please indicate when registering if you require transportation.  

Join us for a day of celebrating and exploring what happens when diverse seeds and people come together. Learn about ongoing collaborative projects to grow various crops that thrive in our region and why this work is so important. See these adapting crops in three locations (Roots Community Food Centre’s Lillie Street garden, Lakehead University Agricultural Research Station, and Root Cellar Gardens). Be a part of the breeding process by tasting locally grown watermelons and helping select which seeds to save and replant next year. 

Snacks will be provided, but participants are advised to bring a lunch and a water bottle. This event will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather!  

Also…find us at the Hymers Fall Fair on Sunday August 31 and Monday September 1, 2025! Stop by our booth to say “hi”, taste some watermelon and take one home, have your say in the collaborative adaptive breeding project. (Note: There is an admission fee of $10 to the Hymers Fall Fair.)