From its beginnings in 2007, the little seed that has grown into the Edmonton Permaculture Guild germinated when Ron Berezan (www.theurbanfarmer.ca) began teaching small classes about permaculture and related topics in Edmonton. The students from these classes were so engaged that they wanted to stay in touch, and as a result, some wonderful potlucks took place and the Edmonton Permaculture listserv was born. This evolved into the first Edmonton Permaculture Convergence in the spring of 2010. It was a full day of workshops and events including an epic potluck lunch. About one hundred people came out and participated in a day of permaculture inspiration filled with talks on edible plants, inner city chickens, bees, education and community building.
Over the years, many members of the community have come forth to lend their time and energy in building permaculture awareness in Edmonton. There has always been the desire to build a deep rooted and sustainable core of knowledge and awareness around Permaculture, one that included workshops and education opportunities, community outreach, and of course potlucks, gathering with like minded individuals around food and talks from people in our community who are doing innovative and amazing things.
In 2013, we hosted the Harvest Fest, a day of workshops and community connections, capped off with a wonderful dinner and an evening of music. We had kombucha brewers, beekeepers, cheese makers, fermented foods and an amazing basket weaving workshop that took over the hall. It was an event that truly unveiled the talent within and connected our entire community.
Following the energy surrounding the Harvest Fest and the great year of Permablitz events, we incorporated The Edmonton Permaculture Guild as a non-profit society. Although this process was a steep learning curve for all those involved, it was a rewarding one. Building on the foundation that so many of Edmonton’s permaculture enthusiasts have been working towards all these years.
In 2014 we were invited to work with The Local Good in helping to organize Edmonton’s first Resilience Festival. An entire weekend of local products, sharing skills and information was the result, demonstrating just how incredible our capacity is to do amazing things in this city.
In 2017 we successfully hosted the 3rd Annual Resilience Festival at the Waldorf Independent School of Edmonton. With over 40 vendors, workshops running all day ranging from cheese making, basket weaving to a moving experience taking the First Nations Blanket Exercise; We added a Film Festival; Conversation Café; dance and movement classes; face painting; children’s permaculture and Resilience Forum. What an amazing day! If you’d like to learn more about the Edmonton Resilience Festival, click here.
Thank you for visiting our site, and good luck with all your permaculture ventures. We look forward to seeing you at one of our events!