Initially the idea of learning about plants seemed like a low priority in terms of bringing a Metis/ aboriginal lens to our lives but I bought this book and took it along on one of our walks. Between this resource and what we already knew we were able to find over 20 plants in one block that we could eat or use as medicines. I enjoyed this walk with the girls and it made us think about our little part of the urban landscape a little bit differently.
During similar walk in the past we would take little notes books and make pictures of the plants or take small samples to put in our books. This could also be a good opportunity to practice thankfulness for what the plants have given us and lay down some tobbacco. Before the first frost we also went out to our little yard and gathered in some the mint. I used this as an opportunity to talk about how our ancestors would prepare for the winter.
Just because you are surrounded by an urban landscape doesn't mean you can't find those moments of connection to the earth. Just remember to take them. I also found that the library had a number of books on edible or medicinal plants that could also be a good resource. I did enjoy the Metis lens in this book.
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