We are a group of farmers who have gathered together since the winter of 2018. We gather in Circle, which is a consciously built, value-informed process that helps us share, reflect and transform how we are with one another that feels different to our normal ways of interacting with each other. Since the formal introduction of Circle to the EFAO in 2019, we have chosen to gather this way because of “…what we can do when we are deep in Circle, when we are already opened up and so can take more in.” (Heather Thoma, EFAO member and Circle participant). In Circle, we have been willing and able to begin processing issues of white-bodied privilege, the political economy of ecological farming, racism in farming, generational grief, allyship, climate grief, and much more.
Meeting will include an introduction to the EFAO Circle Process (working name), with all participants invited into the discussions we have had this year and what we hope to see emerge in 2021.
Organizer: Madeline (Maddie) Marmor (she/her) is a queer, white settler farm/food worker and Treaty person farming and living on the current lands of the Anishinabewaki, Houdenssunneega (Longhouse Conferacy), and Anttiwoneronk (Neutral), Petun and Mississauga peoples on land preceeded over by Treaty 19, 1818 and Treaty 3, 1793. She is a trained Circle Keeper and has held Circles where equity, settler-indigenous relations and grief have been central themes.