Seeds & Synergies 2025: A Gathering Rooted in Culture, Community, and Land

On a crisp late-fall day in Victoria, something beautiful unfolded. Seeds & Synergies — a gathering that began as a vision — became a living, breathing space where community members came together to explore the deep connections between food, land, and culture.

We held conversations that mattered. We shared foods that carried memory. We listened, learned, and imagined together. The room felt alive — buzzing with abundance, colour, story, and gratitude.

Honouring the Art of Visual Storytelling

A special highlight of the day was witnessing the brilliance of Mo Dawson (@monkmanmo) in action. Mo’s graphic facilitation is more than illustration — it is cultural storytelling in motion.

With each stroke, he captured complexity and distilled it into clarity. His work is rooted in the teachings and wisdom passed down to him, and it shows in every detail. Mo brings skill, heart, and cultural integrity to every space he enters, and we were honoured to have him with us.

If you’re ever seeking someone who can translate conversation into powerful, culturally grounded visuals, Mo is your guy.

Holding Space with Care and Intention

We extend deepest gratitude to Hauwa (@hobkas) for her masterful facilitation. Hauwa created the conditions for brave dialogue — a soft, spacious container for participants to share experiences, reflect on the food systems they navigate, and imagine what more just, culturally attuned futures might look like.

Her presence shaped the entire environment, inviting openness, depth, and connection.

A Marketplace Rooted in Abundance

Although small in size, our market corner was bursting with the energy of local growers who continue to nourish our communities with dedication and love.

We were grateful to showcase the work of:

• Ash — @fedurbanag

• Lisa — @farmfolkcityfolk

• Solara — @thefarmrru

From chayote to black-eyed peas, lemongrass, and other culturally significant crops, their tables reminded us that food is never just food — it is memory, identity, and future rolled into one.

Food as Story, Care, and Craft

Our makers infused the space with the warmth of home and the creativity of tradition. We extend heartfelt thanks to:

• Yukifumi — @noirtriangle

• Hiba & Fadhi

• Patricia — @limenacuisine

The flavours they shared carried culture, technique, and care — nourishing both body and spirit.

Looking Ahead

Seeds & Synergies was always meant to be more than an event. It is a seed itself — a starting point for deeper relationships, shared learning, and long-term work to strengthen culturally rooted food systems.

As we step into 2026, we carry the stories, wisdom, and connections from this gathering with us. Together, we are planting seeds for thriving, climate-resilient, culturally grounded food futures across the region.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, contributed, or supported from afar. Your presence makes this work possible — and meaningful.

Follow along as we continue growing this journey.