Indigenous artisans raise support for Friendship Centre food pantry

A winter market at the Fort Erie Native Friendship Centre offered handmade goods and hot meals while raising money to keep the centre’s food pantry open past its March 31 funding deadline.

The Indigenous Artisans Winter Market brought about 20 vendors to the Buffalo Road centre on Sunday. The event was designed to help sustain a pantry that supplies milk, eggs, bread, freezer meats and dry goods to food-insecure residents who can visit once a month.

Organizer Shannon Cotter said the market brings more people every year as the number of vendors nearly doubled from last winter. The centre offered frybread tacos, chili dogs, hamburgers and fried donuts, with all food sales and vendor table fees directed to the pantry.

Cotter told Fort Erie Radio the pantry has seen heavier demand as food insecurity rises in the region.

“We know there is a big influx of food insecurities, and we are just trying to help and support the community the best that we can,” said Shannon.

She said the pantry has no stable funding source and relies on fundraising events like the winter market. They also receive occasional cash donations and food drives from Greater Fort Erie Secondary School and Niagara Christian Collegiate to meet rising needs.

According to the income survey data in 2022, one in five households in Niagara is food insecure, and 18.3 per cent of Niagara children and youth live in food-insecure households. Both of these figures are increasing.

The market featured vendors authenticated by the Friendship Centre as Indigenous makers. Long-time community member Judy Dockstater sold feast bags, medicine pouches and other garments rooted in teachings passed down through her family.

“Everybody has a gift. It is their job and ours to find it,” said Dockstater.

Dockstater said she enjoys taking part in Friendship Centre events because they give residents space to share skills and feel connected.

Floating Leaf Designs owner Tawnee Bennett sold handmade beaded earrings along with dentalium and wampum shell pieces representing east and west coast cultures in contemporary styles.

“There are a lot of markets in the community, but not many Indigenous-based ones. This is the only local Indigenous market, and everything here is handmade,” said Bennett.

Bennett mainly sells online but brings her work to this single annual market because it invites the wider community to support Indigenous makers.

Aunt Paulie’s owner Pauline Cotter offered jams, cooking oils and pastries, including Christmas cookies that launched her business in 2020.

“Supporting local has always been my go-to. You see how much people are struggling these days, and it is nice to see the community come together and really support our people,” said Pauline.

She said she returns each year because the market brings together people she rarely sees elsewhere and helps direct attention to the Friendship Centre’s programs.

Residents who want to help extend the pantry past March 31 can drop off food or make cash donations at the centre on Buffalo Road and can call (905) 871-8931 to ask about what the pantry could use most.

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