I went out mushrooming today. Learned from my brother's dad Ross about looking for pine mushrooms. Once we got close to his spot, he showed me how you pick up some dirt and stuff, rub it in your hands and breath it in. It gets rid of anything else you might smell, without realizing it … Continue reading Learning from the Land
I wrote this poem over the past couple of days. Reflecting on my thoughts and feelings being back home and my learnings over the past few years. I wasn't sure what to call it but then remembered the Lil'wat principles of learning, available through the link below. I thought the word Kat’íl’a fit perfectly, meaning … Continue reading Kat’íl’a – Seeking Quietness and Stillness in my Quest for Knowledge
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
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
When Mt Currie’s Xetólacw Community School was created in 1972, it was only the second Band-run school in all of Canada. Starting a school was literally a groundbreaking move for a First Nations community. Lorna Williams was one of a handful of community members, many of them parents with small children, many of them survivors of … Continue reading A warrior for Wisdom: talking with Wanosts’a7 Lorna Williams, Part 1
