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
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
Cornus nuttali-aka Pacific dogwood became the floral emblem for BC in 1956 but apparently the flowering tree was associated with this province long before that, as dogwood lapel pins were sold to raise money for supplies like wool blankets for soldiers during world war two. (S is for Spirit Bear: A British Columbia Alphabet By … Continue reading Dogwood
I recently revisited this photo, taken by Johnny Jones. I'd spent two days reading the Information note from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, about the updated potential for a big rockfall from Mt Currie. Johnny posted, "For 11 Thousand + years the Lil'wat Nation lived here in the Lil'wat7ul Valley and … Continue reading In its earliest name, Mt Currie means “slides on the mountain”
This is a guest post written by Harriet van Wart who leads the Land and Resources Department for the Lil'wat Nation, reflecting on the first ever team takeover for the Wellness Almanac. It was inspiring to meet the team and get a glimpse at the work they do. I was really excited when Lisa invited … Continue reading When the Lil’wat Land and Resources Department took over the instagram account
We're halfway through our 30 day immersion in local plant knowledge, and happily, I can now recognise the Coastal Douglas Fir by its gnarly-thick bark. Thanks to a great conversation with Dawn Johnson about the project, I also realise that it's okay to approach this kind of learning in small chunks. It won't all stick … Continue reading You are invited to unlock the landscape with language
The Wellness Almanac 