I found out about four or five years ago that I have hypothyroidism, meaning that I have an under active thyroid. Which isn't really a serious condition, but it does impact my daily life. I was on Synthroid for a while but I haven't been on it in a long time and I seemed to … Continue reading Revitalization of Plant Medicines and Foods
I've been thinking about the forests a lot lately. Since attending the opening ceremony for the "We Carry Our Ancestors" exhibit and hearing St'at'imc knowledge and experience from Dr. Lorna Williams. Then spending some quiet time at the exhibit, singing along to the berry picking song playing from a video. Hearing the words of Lorna, … Continue reading Múc and the Importance of Old Growth Forests
Thanksgiving is a bit of a touchy subject for Indigenous people, and for good reason. Personally, I don't want to get into that subject online and I feel I still have some learning to do. However, I believe this time of year is one for celebration of the harvest. At least that's how I sometimes … Continue reading Celebrating the Harvest and Prayers for the Harvests to Come
I made it home safe and sound last night. Getting into Pemberton I enjoyed the sight of Ts'zil (Mt. Currie) and its beautiful sharpness silhouetted by the moonlight. Later I fell asleep with the almost-full moon shining through my window and the rez dogs barking in the distance, protecting their owners homes from bears and … Continue reading Fall Winds
Most of my writing has a nature theme to it. I think that's how I've been able to live such a full life. I've certainly faced my challenges, and there are many times I fall into that dreamless void where I numb myself and try to forget the trauma I've experienced and the hate towards … Continue reading Kwísteqw7am Woman
Join Vera Edmonds on October 13th for Cedar Root digging. This is a wonderful opportunity to share an ancient tradition that has been kept alive all this time by our Elders like Vera. Baskets continue to have an important role in our communities today. Getting to know cedar is like getting to know and love … Continue reading Cedar Root Digging
There's a wonderful opportunity coming on October 10th! I have been a part of a brushing ceremony at a very special place out on one of the islands near Victoria. I won't go into details though I will say that it was a beautiful day and I felt much lighter afterwards. I raise my hands … Continue reading Cedar Brushing Ceremony
Last week I attended the opening celebration for an exhibit at the University of Victoria's "We Carry Our Ancestors" exhibit. The moment I walked in I felt the beautiful energy from the baskets. I could feel all the love that went into making them. Dr. Lorna Williams was there and shared some words of thanks … Continue reading Cedar Women
Thanks to Murphy Construction for documenting this process and allowing us to share it here. As friends commented, this work is a gift to future generations. To glimpse back at the earlier form of the doors, see the original sketch, and the work at the half-way point. As Ashley Gélpcal Joseph completed his carvings on the … Continue reading The work is complete: Ashley Gelpcal Joseph’s entry doors for the Ts’zil Learning Centre
My son heads off to kindergarten in September. Game-changer, friends say. You don’t get as much time as you think, say others. I can’t wait to learn to read, he says. What just happened to the past five years? I think. He will catch the school bus, from our driveway, through Mount Currie, to school. … Continue reading Stucum Wi: Wanosts’a7 Dr. Lorna Williams walks in wisdom, Part 2
The Wellness Almanac 