Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
“Every part of this soil is sacred in the estimation of my people. Every hillside, every valley, every plain and grove, has been hallowed by some sad or happy event in days long vanished.” — Chief Seattle 1854
We would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is within the aboriginal territory of the suq̀ʷabš “People of Clear Salt Water” (Suquamish People). Expert fisherman, canoe builders and basket weavers, the suq̀ʷabš live in harmony with the lands and waterways along Washington’s Central Salish Sea as they have for thousands of years. Here, the suq̀ʷabš live and protect the land and waters of their ancestors for future generations as promised by the Point Elliot Treaty of 1855.
DEIJ (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice) work in our farmers market is both inherent and something we do with intentionality. Inclusivity has been one of our core values since the market was founded. In recognition of the fact that DEIJ work is a continuum - not an outcome - this page serves as a space to explore past, present, and future work that furthers our market’s inclusivity.
Current/Ongoing DEIJ Work:
Equity Committee - board committee made up of volunteers and staff who share a vision of fostering a welcoming market environment that is accessible (physically & financially), celebrates vibrant diversity, connects people and resources, and elevates marginalized voices.
Food access programs that aim to address systemic inequities and provide resources for those who need them most. These programs include EBT, SNAP, WIC, and Senior FMNP.
Collaboration with organizations that support DEIJ efforts in our community
Translations of market materials
Past DEIJ Work:
Improvements to accommodations and ADA Accessibility at the market, in our publications, on our website, and on our social media pages
Integration of anti-discrimination policies and practices
Annual anti-bias training for market vendors, staff, and board members
Utilization of market-relevant DEIJ tools, such as the Farmers Market Coalition’s Antiracist Farmers Market Toolkit