Food preservation techniques will be shared: air dry, blanching, saw dust, root cellar, fermentation, etc. There will also be the opportunity to engage in maintenance of the community garden, where multiple berry crops are currently grown, including: black currants, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, saskatoons, and haskaps. Field trips to the local Farmer’s Market(s) are planned. A local bedding plant operation and another local producing organic farm will be visited. All apprentices have possible field trips to the nearby Ancient forest of 1000+ year old cedar trees, day hikes in the nearby alpine & wilderness area, or the possibility of participating in Ecovillage annual events like the Spring & Fall Gatherings, as well as the Dunster Ice Cream Social and the Robson Valley Music Festival. Fulfilling apprenticeship responsibilities are required before attending /participating in off-site events.
Participants in all apprenticeships will learn about the local ecology of the Interior Cedar/Hemlock Rain Forest ecosystem, social & community skills, and the economics of sustainability.
A small weekly fee is charged to offset food and lodging costs.
To apply answer the questions at the Survey Monkey link at the website. The selection process is competitive so please apply early. We expect to receive many more excellent applications than we can approve. The process of selection for upcoming apprenticeships generally closes some months in advance of the starting dates. Some openings may still occur due to cancellations, so apply anyway if you are late in applying. We do sometimes accept applicants’ right up to the starting date because of cancellations.
The goal of the apprenticeship programme is rather succinct: to teach people aspects of sustainability. More specifically we aim to teach some fundamental aspects of survival as a human being:
* how to grow food, and market in today’s competitive world, if you choose
* the significance of animals to our lives, as fellow co-inhabitants of the earth, and particularly as suppliers of clothing materials
* how to live cooperatively and supportively
* to help inspire the creation of more ecovillages
* to provide a hands-on experiential learning environment
Our expectations of students: Students will spend at least 30 hours per week on assignments and tasks related to the programme. At times due the nature of long Canadian Summer days and the fact that Nature does not wait for us, our work days may be extended and physical. Students will endeavor to work well with one another and with the staff/members of the Ecovillage. They will also have time to enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountain wilderness, meditating on the banks of a wild, clean river, good company around a campfire, and an invigorating swim on a hot summer’s day. There may even be the occasional sighting of an elk, beaver or bear… Apprenticeship allows for an introduction into the seasonal life of Kakwa Ecovillage, and insights to consider if membership was to become a goal… Class size is limited so early registration is recommended.
Cost is $600 per month for subsistence (food staples***, energy, internet and lodging). We are an educational endeavor within a forming ecovillage. Thus we have little to work with in terms of surplus. What is offered is an experience to gain practical experience and knowledge in a spectacular natural setting, in the midst of a cooperative social environment. Rather than “on the job training” we hope to provide the tools for students to set up and run their own businesses. We aspire to permaculture principles and encourage the attunement to Nature and the collective energy of the group, whether at work or play.
To apply and for additional details please visit this link: http://www.kakwaecovillage.com/apprenticeship.php
