Welcome

Welcome

Posted on March 19, 2024

Seems like a momentous year ahead for so many reasons. I’m feeling a long term positive outcome for Gaza and Ukraine. WE survived Covid and Trump. Yet, the deep question remains…what will “climate change” mean to you, your friends and family? There seems little doubt that society as a whole will be deeply impacted.

The potential for climate change brought us to this nourishing place on the planet so many years ago. After having been a world traveler, Corporate world participant and business creator I decided it was time to establish deep roots. A large part of that time has been learning the seasons, the land, the local culture, and making local friends.

The next stage of establishing our on site culture will perhaps be the most beneficial. At the same time will likely be the most demanding for those who choose to move ahead with us. It will be about us learning deep trust of ourselves and each other. Integration into daily life of our talk with our walk.

The most valuable aspects of our experience to date has been to accept we have to be friendly, kind and supportive, but firm. We offer respect and must expect respect in return. In every living circumstance with two (2) or more people, communication, i.e. sharing your point of view and hearing the point of view of others is a critical skill. It is impossible to live here without it. Understanding the value of cooperation can not be expressed strongly enough.

Typically your “family” are your “roommates”. Learning to live on a “cooperative” farm means not everyone will be your best friend. But they become like your “roommates”. There are many advantages of living here: security of place, potential for reduced cost of living and some people who share similar values.

Farming and the support required to grow food in our temperate region within the changes ahead is a primary goal. The Fraser River has been here for ~ 10K years. We have water at our front door, and the accompanying river bottom soil with forest nearby. Via Rail is a 7 min walk. TransCanada Highway 16 is ~ 7 km away. Establishing homes that can provide shelter from most imagined scenarios makes sense to me. Technology can provide communication links. Homes built to the right standards no longer need much electricity.

Farming and the maintenance of the farm/living site does require some year around work. Some climatic seasons are busier than others. Adaptation to natural rhythms usually provides adequate time for recreation and rest. However, in a Coop many hands do translate to light work. If your work for income is not related to farming or site maintenance, finding a balance between Coop related work and your work for direct income is an important aspect to manage.

My sense is video a) provides a basic design overview of very practical housing. Recognizing almost 30 years have passed, so many technological improvements are possible.

Video b) provides some very basic discussions of how the governance and maintenance have worked there.

I look forward to meeting you!
Russ Purvis, MSc
Founder and GM
Kakwa Ecovillage Cooperative