PRINCE RUPERT – The Port of Prince Rupert has announced a $244,000 investment from its Community Investment Fund that will help preserve traditional food production, increase nutritional education and develop new skills within the Gitxaala Nation.
A celebration in the coastal village of Kitkatla, BC took place in mid-April to bless and commission two new community spaces: a garden and greenhouse where local produce will be grown, and a kitchen and eatery for food preparation and training. The event was attended by over one hundred Kitkatla residents that included school children and elders, as well as a delegation of staff from the Port of Prince Rupert who prepared the first community meal served out of the new kitchen.
“We couldn’t be happier after seeing the impact of these projects first-hand,” said Don Krusel, President & CEO of the Port of Prince Rupert. “The community kitchen and garden are physical embodiments of the spirit of our Community Investment Fund, which was established to enable significant quality of life improvements to a broad demographic of community members. Experiencing these facilities, surrounded by members of the Gitxaala Nation, it was evident how useful these community assets already are, and will be for years to come.”
“We are very thankful to the Port of Prince Rupert’s partnership and financial contributions, for the Green House and Community Kitchen.” said Clifford White, Chief Councillor of the Gitxaała Nation. “These new facilities will go a long way to fostering the greater independence and sustainability of our nation, providing meaningful educational opportunities while strengthening the social fabric of our community.”
The kitchen is located in a building locally referred to as the ‘loaf of bread’ due to its unique design, and over many years had fallen into a state of disrepair. Under the direction of Housing Coordinator Ernie Westgarth, a group of local workers renovated the building, installed the new kitchen and added a two-story deck that allows its patrons to sit outdoors and enjoy the oceanfront view. The kitchen will provide an opportunity for Gitxaala to explore a partnership with North West Community College to offer a culinary training program to residents interested in pursuing regional employment opportunities.
“The ability to do an entire project like, this with a local workforce that are learning and practicing skills throughout, is a really rewarding opportunity,” said Westgarth. “The pride and accomplishment we’re all feeling was evident when we gathered as a community there for the first time. It’s a really positive experience that’s created momentum for the housing renovation work we have ahead of us this year.”
Kitkatla’s garden programming was initiated several years ago, but the lack of naturally occurring topsoil and the cost to ship it to the community by barge remained a hindrance. The recent addition of a 20-by-40-foot greenhouse with a heating and water system will allow the community to become increasingly self-sufficient, promote physical activity through gardening and maintenance, and ultimately lead to a reduction in diet-related illnesses amongst community members.
“It’s been an amazing community effort to put our Food Security Plan into action, and the garden project is directly contributing to early childhood wellness,” said Cindy Ignas, Health Director for Gitxaala Nation. “We’re so thankful for the contribution from the Port of Prince Rupert, and everyone is looking forward to getting food from the garden into the breakfast program at Lach Klan School and the prenatal packages delivered by the maternal health program.”
The majority of funding for the Gitxaala Community Garden and Kitchen project came from the $244,000 contribution from the Port of Prince Rupert’s Community Investment Fund. Other funding partners included BC Ministry of Agriculture, Coast Industrial Construction, and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon.
