An environmentally conscious audience gathered at the Cornwall Public Library for a free screening of Gather, hosted by Transition Cornwall+ Food Action Group and Sustainable Cornwall Durable. The feature documentary, directed by Sanjay Rawal, follows Indigenous communities reclaiming traditional food systems as a path toward cultural renewal and well-being.

Mélanie Ayotte, founder of Sustainable Cornwall Durable, said the film's message resonates locally. "Today's film screening is a film about Indigenous food sovereignty. The film is American, but I believe it's an issue that applies just as readily to our local circumstances," she said. Ayotte noted the documentary explores "traditional foods and self-sufficiency, resilience, and the story of communities building their own food systems."

Sustainable Cornwall Durable

Marc Ladouceur of the Transition Cornwall+ Food Action Group connected the themes to present-day challenges. "It's very important, and it's very relevant," he said, pointing to climate change and rising food costs. "There's more than just one factor... climate change is very much on the back of everyone's mind, and we're always adapting."

Ayotte added she hopes attendees left reflecting on their own capacity for resilience and "uplifting and honouring" Indigenous communities reconnecting with traditional ways.

Cornwall+ Food Action Group

Organizers also highlighted upcoming events aimed at strengthening local food networks. The 5th Annual Seed Exchange takes place February 28 at the Akwesasne Seed Hub, followed by the 11th Annual Cornwall Seedy Saturday on March 14 at the Benson Centre.

"Our next big event is Cornwall Seedy Saturday, scheduled for Saturday, March 14th at the Benson Centre. We will have dozens of seed and garden vendors, and activities for the whole family. Everyone is welcome," said Kat Rendek, Seedy Saturday Coordinator. In addition, the 6th Annual ECO Day is set for April 18 at the Benson Centre, also focusing on sustainability, food security, and practical climate action.

Today's film screening is a film about Indigenous food sovereignty. The film is American, but I believe it's an issue that applies just as readily to our local circumstances.

Reading the wider picture

Announcements set expectations instantly; delivering on them is the slow part, and that delay is where most of the realignment happens.

In short

As always in the food industry, the gap between what gets announced and what actually reaches people is where the real story will be decided.