Join us for the MABR Traditional Plant Workshop, featuring presentations from local experts: Snuneymuxw Elder Geraldine Manson, Dr. Nancy Turner, and Kim Recalma.
Learn about traditional plant names, gathering locations, harvesting tools, techniques, and the cultural, nutritional, and medicinal significance of native species. Guests will also have the opportunity to create and sample a variety of foods and medicines made from native plants. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your connection to local knowledge and traditional practices.
About the presenters:
Geraldine Manson (C’etasia) is an Elder-in-Residence for VIU and in this role finds herself working directly with students, faculty and staff sharing all she has learned over the years from her Elders. Her, Snuneymuxw Elders chose her many years ago to be mentored by them. They shared the history of the land, from the mountains to the rivers that flow into the Salish Sea and back to the land; all the resources each contain. The importance of the environment. They taught her culture and values of life. That language was important to learn and why. Her Auntie Ellen White taught her the importance of plants and making medicine. Not just make medicine but the sacredness of what encircles the path of making medicine.
Dr. Nancy Turner is well-known across Canada for her passion and devotion in ethnobotany. She became connected to many First Nation Elders within their communities from Coast to Coast whose expert knowledge on plants and uses demonstrated how important their knowledge was of what native plants and ecological interactions are with the environment changes/seasons. Nancy has produced several books on the cultural importance of plants and their uses.
Oqwilowgwa or Kim Recalma-Clutesi is an artist, film maker and educator who works within her Nation, academically and cross-culturally. She has received extensive cultural, academic and political training since childhood. Kim has worked with traditional medicines for more than 50 years. She has won international awards for films and work documenting the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of the Kwakwaka’wakw peoples.
Admission is by donation at the door, and tickets must be reserved through Eventbrite. Space is limited. Register to secure your spot here.
For any questions, please contact the event organizer at Ray.Woroniak@viu.ca.