To be honest, I am still learning how to incorporate mutual aid principles to a fibre farm and processing business. So I anticipate that this will take a few different forms as things change and progress. (I would also love and appreciate your feedback). Here is what I know for sure:

• Access to locally grown and produced textiles shouldn’t be inaccessible to those that cannot afford it

• Farming and textile learning and opportunities should be available to everyone regardless of their financial situation.

• We are working to create more space and accessiblity for full participation in our events/workshops/classes and more. We contribute money, time and resources to this, but we know others in our community want to contribute as well.

• We have a bursary fund for those experiencing barriers to attend any paid event or opportunity at our farm. Our mutual aid donations will go towards the bursary fund and increasing accessiblity.

• We will include a list of our mutual aid contributions below (while respecting privacy of those attending).

• Please let us know if you have any great ideas for mutual aid in the fibre/textiles/farming context - we would love to hear (info@longwayhomestead.com)

Mutual Aid and Bursary Opportunities in 2022

These were the opportunities for mutual aid that we were a part of in 2022:

• 3 full bursaries for on-farm workshops

• 5 full bursaries for on-line workshop

• contributed 25lbs of wool and roving to inner city program for youth (Winnipeg)

Land Reparations in 2022 (1% of sales - every quarter we donate 1% of sales to a local organization that is focused on land reparations or access to land for BIPOC and racialized farmers)

• National Black Farmer Fund

• Deer Spirit Agricultural Site (x2)