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The team members behind The Flood Stories Project were delighted to take part in Abbotsford’s Canada Day Celebration at Exhibition Park. While the team spoke with many farmers and families who were affected by the floods in November 2021, the real hit of the day was the art station which encouraged children to either explore their flood experiences through creative expression, or express images of appreciation for the farmers who work hard to put food on our plates.
While the main focus of the project thus far has encouraged affected farmers to discuss their flood stories through verbal and/or written interviews and workshops, there are many sources that highlight the positive link between artistic expression and one’s ability to process emotions. This event allowed the team to outline our mission to a large group of people in a short period of time, and it was nothing less than a stellar success.
Working a full day in the summer heat, and with the consent of parents and guardians, the team spoke with hundreds of children about their personal experiences in November and invited participants to consider the lasting impact the floods have had on farmlands. Many children took time to consider where the fruits, vegetables, and livestock we depend on come from and expressed a new or heightened appreciation for the farmers in the Fraser Valley.
Their collected artworks express themes of loss, overwhelm, and anxiety, featuring page after page covered with swathes of blue water, along with upside down houses, sad faces, and flooded fields. Despite the terror of the event, though, it was fascinating to see how these children proudly showcased their images with such hope and optimism for the future. Many of them explained, in simple terms, that while the flood events were frightening, their families expressed unconditional support and resilience. While the images of flooding barns and heavy rainfalls were evidently prominent in their memories, the ways that each of them explained their experiences were compelling for their strength and bravery.
Children who did not personally experience loss contributed by creating an abundance of images of appreciation for farmers and the farming community. Many highlighted the theme of “No Farmers, No Food” and explained that without farmers some of their favourite foods, like blueberries, would be difficult to find.
The flood events may no longer be top of mind for the public, since the media has largely abandoned the topic, for farmers the trauma the floods is lasting. Worse still, many of the affected farmers, families, and surrounding communities are just now beginning to experience the lasting consequences the disaster has created for the food system as summer harvests begin. Many are experiencing a decrease in crop production due to the shift in soil chemistry. Others simply do not have access to resources to rebuild their livelihoods.
It is imperative to continue showing our support and appreciation for the farmers who continue to work tirelessly for the community. Events like this one allow us to continue to spread our message while broadening our scope of participants.
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