A communal group active in the "back to the land" movement since the early 1970s, we believe that the #1 contradiction facing humanity is our alienation from nature. At CEEDS we believe that by choosing to simplify our lifestyle and by communally providing our basic needs - food, fuel and shelter - a deeper and more respectful relationship with the earth is forged. Keeping alive this profound relationship with the earth is needed if life on the planet is to survive.
WHO WE ARECEEDS (Community Enhancement and Economic Development Society) has
ten resident members who manage four farms in close proximity to one another. These properties are rented or leased. Some of our members are First Nations people from the local Shuswap and Chilcotin Nations. We're supported by a number of sustaining members around the province along with many friends and neighbours and assisted from time to time by those choosing us as a their farm stay experience.
We are not connected with any religion, spiritual group or political party. We are concerned and involved with local issues of the environment, social justice, agriculture and native matters.
LOCATIONWe are in the South Cariboo region of central British Columbia, approximately 500 km. north east of Vancouver and half an hour from the town of 100 Mile House, on Highway 97. We're served by Greyhound bus.
WHAT WE DO
Mixed, small scale, labour intensive organic farming keeps us busy all year round. Caring for our animals being a central part of communal life. We raise and breed beef cows, sheep, pigs, draft/saddle horses and a variety of poultry, along with honeybees.
Spring is devoted to lambing, pigging and calving, growing bedding plants (for sale and our own use), planting our two gardens,
potato patch and greenhouses. During the summer we're weeding, watering and harvesting the gardens for farmers markets and "box-a-week" vegetable deliveries, checking our cattle on the range and haying. Harvesting, vegetable storage and other winter preparation gets started in the fall. When snow arrives, our routine of winter livestock feeding begins, shovelling snow and splitting firewood!
Recreation includes swimming in Horse Lake, fishing (especially through the ice during winter) and cross-country skiing. We sometimes get together for barbecues and music around the campfire.
VISITORS (including Farm Stays)
- CEEDS welcomes visitors for short or longer term stays. Longer visits start with a trial period up to a week to determine if we're all getting along! We are a member of The International WWOOF Association - dedicated to helping those who would like to work as volunteers on organic farms internationally.
- do ask that you phone, write or e- mail us in advance.
- Accommodation will be at one of the farms. Hearty farm meals include meat.
- Visitors are expected to help with household chores - dishes, cooking, cleaning etc.
- We reserve the right to ask anyone to leave.
RECOMMENDED
C.E.E.D.S.
C.184, Horse Lake Site
RR#1, Lone Butte B.C.
V0K 1X0
CanadaPhone: 1 250 395-3580 or 1 250 395-4042
Fax: 1 250 395-3572
e-mail: ceeds@bcinternet.netPlease contact us for information about our sustaining membership programme and other ways you can help us.
Horse Lake Community Farm Cooperative
JEREMIE (JERRY) LOUIS QUESNEL LEBOURDAIS
May 8th, 1925 - December 26th, 2004
Member of a pioneering Cariboo family, life-long social activist and founder of CEEDS
His Story
