More fruit trees were added to the orchard at James Smith Cree Nation last week. (Submitted photo/Kelsey Mawaro)

By Angie Rolheiser

Fruit Orchard

Fruit orchard expansion on James Smith Cree Nation

Jun 30, 2020 | 5:00 PM

Some fruitful additions were made to the orchard at the James Smith Cree Nation last Thursday.

Community Dietician Kelsey Mawara, who spearheaded the initial planting of the orchard in 2018 said the recent additions of more fruit trees will be welcomed by the community.

“It will effect food security because we will know that there is always going to be that fruit there,” Mawaro said. “It is also about getting back on the land and having somewhere to go pick that’s close enough that you don’t need a car and so we are removing that barrier as well.”

Cherry and apple trees, raspberry and Saskatoon berry bushes and rhubarb were all planted by about 15 community members that ranged from youth to elders.

Community members gathered last Thursday to add more fruit trees to the orchard at James Smith Cree Nation. (Submitted photo/Kelsey Mawaro)

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The orchard is maintained by two community members hired to weed and till around the trees and water them regularly starting in May.

The trees are still pretty young and don’t produce a lot just yet but Mawaro said they have an abundance of rhubarb for anyone that would like.

Some of the rhubarb was harvested during the plant day as well and is now at the health clinic in the community for pick-up.

“Community members are free to go out there at anytime and harvest,” Mawaro said.

The orchard is surrounded by a tall fence but it was only put up to keep out animals to prevent them from eating the trees.

Potatoes, carrots, beets, peas and corn were planted at the community garden plot that was also recently added, which is ran by the youth program.

“This year we set out a little plot in the far northwest corner of the orchard for the garden,” Mawaro said. “The plants are all looking really good and coming up nicely.”

Fruit preservation is also in the works this year whether it is canning or freezing bags of different fruits for residents to take home. More details on that will come throughout the season.

The Prairie North Co-op (PNC) in Melfort also had a hand in last week’s planting day, according to Mawaro.

“They stepped up and donated gift cards and we were able to get snacks for the day, and water, as well as supplies for maintenance,” she said.

The PNC has also offered a partnership for other programs at the health clinic.

Future plans at the orchard include adding traditional plants including edible cedar that is used for ceremony at James Smith.

“There just is nothing better than a sun kissed fruit, especially a raspberry that is nice and warm, there is just really nothing better,” Mawaro said.

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angie.rolheiser@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @Angie_Rolheiser