The ThunderBlogs

The paved road to the University of British Columbia Farm guided a constant stream of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to the weekly Farmer’s Market. Student volunteer, Arthur Krumins, greeted visitors at the gate and the music of the Grist to the Mill Ceilidh band’s banjos welcomed them inside on the chilly Saturday morning.

Toddlers stumbled carrying giant nectarines, adults warmed up with mugs of coffee and dogs slept on the grass in the picnic area. Regulars Jan Smith and Gwen Boyle, a local artist, sat on picnic benches. They chatted in between bites of jam sandwiches on fresh bread. Smith said the Guatemalan Maya gave her the bread recipe last year, but her attempt tasted differently.

Maximo Morales sat under the Maya Community Garden Project tent. He peered at customers from beneath the brim of his straw hat and smiled to welcome those who approached him. He said him and his family immigrated from Guatemala and Mexico. Before the garden his adjustment to Canada was difficult. “But things are better now,” said Morales.

Morales leaned forward in his chair and folded his rough-skinned hands on the table. He said the Maya culture is rooted in farming. The six families plant corn, beans, squash and flowers in the garden and eat what they grow, he said.

Sharing suits the Maya culture. They teach others about farming by giving tours and accepting volunteers, said Morales. “Anyone can join us, help us,” he said.

Seven-year-old Yamanik arrived with her family to help in the garden. “I like to plant the seeds. It’s fun,” she said and chased a younger helper around the tent.

Yamanik may be too young to realize that she is participating in a conscious effort to allow her community to embrace their Maya and Canadian cultures simultaneously. She is just having fun and can because the Maya Community Garden Project suits the University of British Columbia Farm’s vision. Market volunteer, Lauren Wright, said it is to raise awareness about sustainable agriculture.

Yamanik will be able to continue having fun in the garden as long as the farm’s vision remains a relevant part of the University of British Columbia community. But the housing developments on the south campus and debates over the farm’s land use point to an uncertain future.