Profile information
Host rating
85 %
Last replied
15 Apr 2024
Reply rate
100.0 %
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Details
Description
Indigenous and Indigenous-ally mother and son (Dale and Kieran) own and steward valley land fronting in the hamlet of Eden Mills (population 350); as well as a five acre field outside the valley. We call our place Turtle Island Acres (TIA) and our goal is to teach skills in permaculture and community-engaged arts using an Indigenous Land-Based Learning approach. Set on 16 mostly wooded acres between the two branches of the Eramosa River, Turtle Island Acres is home to turtles, beaver and herons and is named in honour of the Indigenous name for North America (Turtle Island). TIA is a non-profit educational organization - we consume or give away all our produce.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Travellers will learn about regenerative permaculture, Indigenous Land-Based Learning, and community-engaged arts as a tool for environmental education and social change. Dale has a Masters in Environmental Studies and has worked as a professional playwright and community-engaged theatre director for over 30 years. Kieran is completing a double-major in Indigenous Studies and Creative Writing at the University of Toronto. Travellers will also be given the opportunity to learn first-hand about Canadian Indigenous and settler cultures and recent efforts at reconciliation.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
Help on our non-profit small organic regenerative permaculture arts farm near Toronto Ontario Canada. We need help building and expanding permaculture beds and building a fence on a 5 acre field. Also need help finishing a bath/shower house, so plumbing and carpentry skills are an asset. Our crops include vegetables (specifically potatoes, tomatoes, corn, beans, squash and nut trees), as well as maple syrup in the spring. Optional help welcome with a theatrical garden tour about climate change solutions that we will stage this summer and fall.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: FluentThis host offers a language exchange
French or Spanish
Accommodation
"Glamping" (comfortable camping) for one or more people (depending on how cozy you want to be) in a fully-furnished 16 foot Bell Dome Tent (similar to a Yurt) on a wooden platform in the woods. Some electricity and solar, wood-burning stove, in-house composting camp toilet and nearby outhouse. Bath and shower house is a work in progress, but shower (and river bathing) available nearby. We prefer independent food buying, preparation and eating, although free garden produce will be available and some shared meals, if you like.
What else ...
Eden Mills is an active arts community with an annual visual arts studio tour, regular music events and the acclaimed Eden Writers' Festival. Eden Mills Going Carbon Neutral has been an ongoing project for over 15 years and has resulted in 90% carbon neutrality. Transportation available in my electric vehicle to nearby farmers' markets, shops, amenities and local sights which include: a reconstructed 15th century Indigenous (Iroquois) village, the City of Guelph (a university town with nightlife and international restaurants), hiking the renowned Bruce Trail, Niagara Falls (90 minutes away) and all Toronto has to offer (1 hour away). Also we can pick you up at Pearson, Toronto's International Airport.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
Lots of space for parking campervans.
Can possibly accept pets
Dogs and cats. Must be people-friendly and house-trained and the living space must be thoroughly cleaned before departure (no dog or cat hair left behind).
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
