When first approached about writing a blog I thought, “What could I write about? I don’t know where to start!” But, when I put my mind to it I realized I had somewhere very real and meaningful to start from. I began to reflect upon where I grew up: rural Alberta on the border of British Columbia: Gundy, AB. There were no amenities except for the community hall, cattle range, cemetery, refuse dump, and two ball diamonds. We had to travel about 12 miles for the mail and the convenience store and 25 miles to the closest urban centre. For many years, there was only one road to access the community which was through British Columbia. Finally in the 80’s a secondary road was built from Alberta to the area.
Growing up on a mixed farm in Gundy I learned about what makes a community. I learned how meaningful connections can be made, and how connections can be strengthened, even with people who have been in the area for years. I learned where to turn to for support. Money rarely exchanged hands for work done; rather, a person’s word was taken at face value. A new neighbour was welcomed with a pot of chilli, home made buns, and cookies. Everyone was invited to the annual potlucks held throughout the year. No appointment was ever necessary to stop in to a neighbour. The coffee pot was on, the cookie tin was always full, and people stopped their work to sit and talk with each other. In spite of differences amongst some individuals the community was somehow able to move forward together. When my father had a farming accident the community rallied together to raise some funds to give us some financial support till my father was able to farm again. I recall while my father was hospitalized the farming and haying still got finished. How? By neighbours who brought over their own machinery without asking and just did it. Even as I write this and recall my childhood I have tears over that strong sense of community where people were connected in some shape or form.
In today’s world rural communities struggle to hold their identity in many different ways. Rural communities fight to keep or bring back their young people, strive to stay connected with emerging needs of urbanites relocating to rural, work hard to dissolve old rivalries, and endeavour to keep local businesses thriving. The 100 Mile Movement should not be a trend; it should be a mind-set. All levels of government need to begin to demonstrate that policy includes urban and rural. Equally important, governments and urban organizations need to include rural community leaders and organizations into dialogue and consultation. But, it starts with us and our own attitude about what rural communities mean to us.
Growing up on a mixed farm in Gundy I learned about what makes a community. I learned how meaningful connections can be made, and how connections can be strengthened, even with people who have been in the area for years. I learned where to turn to for support. Money rarely exchanged hands for work done; rather, a person’s word was taken at face value. A new neighbour was welcomed with a pot of chilli, home made buns, and cookies. Everyone was invited to the annual potlucks held throughout the year. No appointment was ever necessary to stop in to a neighbour. The coffee pot was on, the cookie tin was always full, and people stopped their work to sit and talk with each other. In spite of differences amongst some individuals the community was somehow able to move forward together. When my father had a farming accident the community rallied together to raise some funds to give us some financial support till my father was able to farm again. I recall while my father was hospitalized the farming and haying still got finished. How? By neighbours who brought over their own machinery without asking and just did it. Even as I write this and recall my childhood I have tears over that strong sense of community where people were connected in some shape or form.
In today’s world rural communities struggle to hold their identity in many different ways. Rural communities fight to keep or bring back their young people, strive to stay connected with emerging needs of urbanites relocating to rural, work hard to dissolve old rivalries, and endeavour to keep local businesses thriving. The 100 Mile Movement should not be a trend; it should be a mind-set. All levels of government need to begin to demonstrate that policy includes urban and rural. Equally important, governments and urban organizations need to include rural community leaders and organizations into dialogue and consultation. But, it starts with us and our own attitude about what rural communities mean to us.
1 comments:
Your reminiscence brought tears to my eyes also. I never grew up in a rural community - city girl I was, except in the summers of my childhood. Every summer I would head to Hinton, Alberta, where many of my extended family lived. I clearly remember my cousins and I heading out early in the morning, exploring the country side, with not a care. Our parents weren't worried either. We would come home when we were hungry and out again we would go. Things have changed. I look forward to reading your experiences and insights. Nice job Carolyn.
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