Observing National Day for Truth and Reconciliation through food and harvest-based experiences. 🌱

As we collectively observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we at YYC Growers are reflecting through our agricultural lens.

How can we reflect on Canada's colonial history and honour the experiences of Indigenous peoples through food and harvest-based experiences?

It is up to each of us to educate ourselves about Indigenous culture and history. To actively seek out Indigenous voices; follow Indigenous activists, artists, and organizations on social media, and share their content to amplify their messages. It is up to each of us to engage in conversations about truth and reconciliation with friends, family, and coworkers.

For those with a passion for agriculture, we hope to encourage your learning by sharing about Experience Metis at Highfield Regenerative Farm.

 

About Experience Metis

Experience Metis, Inc. is a 100% Indigenous business. The organization is a group of knowledge holders, storytellers, and culture keepers spreading awareness about authentic Metis culture, arts, and lifestyle. Their goal is to empower members of the Metis community by connecting them with traditional teachings and experiences. Sharing culture is what they do! Every experience is guided by Metis community members and infused with their personal storytelling style - as well as experiences gained from their own participation in Metis traditions.

Experience Métis hosts events at Highfield Regenerative Farm, such as a Métis Land Relationship and Stewardship teaching event this August. The teaching event included a talk about weeds that are medicines and foods for the Métis people, including the plants brought over by European ancestors that are invasive to Turtle Island. Participants learned how to deal with those invasive plants in a traditional way that is healthy for people, and the environment—methods can be applied at home in your own garden!

Everyone is welcome to experience and learn Metis Culture at their events. The organization's goals are to spread awareness and teach all peoples the respectful way to honor their culture.

 

Upcoming learning events

Check out their upcoming event on November 13 - Stories of the Silver Berry. Discover the Metis stories behind the wolf willow bush, and how the Metis would traditionally use the wolf willow bush for art, medicine, and food. 🫐

 

Plus, keep your eyes peeled for more ways to support and attend Experience Metis events such as:

- Metis beading
- Tree medicine plant walk
- Metis finger weaving
- Metis tea party
- Wolf Willow: Rosaries and Medicine
- Book your own event!

https://experiencemetis.ca/events

 

Have you had the opportunity to learn about Indigenous culture and history through an agricultural lens? What experiences resonated with you? We'd love for you to share with us on our social channels so others may learn as well!

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Images: @experience_metis

 

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We acknowledge we are settlers in Treaty 7 of Southern Alberta which is the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Nations, which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, and the Kainai. We also acknowledge the Tsuut’ina and Stoney Nakoda, including Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Wesley First Nations, and the Métis Nation (Region 3). We would not be able to farm or produce any food without their ongoing stewardship, resiliency, and cultural knowledge.