Market coming to a close

Shoppers are invited to bid farewell to the Kwseltkten Farmers' and Artisan Market at its final outdoor market day this weekend.

The Indigenous owned and operated Kwseltkten Market has been running for several years, offering a place for vendors and community members to find handmade items, produce and food.

George Casimir, general manager for the Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations, said the market started out as a way to help artisans and farmers.

He said it quickly grew to involve several food security-related projects, including the launch of a mobile trailer to help people learn how to process foods properly and a curriculum developed in partnership with Thompson Rivers University. It also resulted in a documentary.

“It's been such a wonderful program in what we've been able to do, and support evacuees during fire, be out to salmon festivals, tomato festivals — all sorts of things,” he said. “It's not something that we want to just kind of let go lightly.

Casimir said while the trailer will continue to operate, the Kwseltkten Market will be coming to an end — for now.

He said the market was successful, but funding was always a problem.

“I am trying to find new partners to maybe take it over, but not under the CIFN umbrella," he said.

The final outdoor market will be held on Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Tk’emlups te Secwepemc Powwow Arbour.

“As we prepare to close the Kwseltkten Market after five successful years, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support,” organizers said in a Facebook post.

“It has been an honour to host this market, and we’re truly grateful for the partnerships and support we have received over the years.”

Attendees at Sunday’s market can enjoy the vendor products, the Kwseltkten Kitchen, Sabrina’s Flea Market and music from Jeremy Kneeshaw.

The Kwseltkten Farmers and Artisan Market will also be hosting its fourth and final K-Kristmas market at the Coast Kamloops Hotel and Conference Centre later this fall.

The Christmas market will be held on Sunday, Nov. 10.