Nature in Nogojiwanong
Presented by Doors Open Peterborough
We Respectfully Acknowledge
Jackson Park is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nations which include Curve Lake, Hiawatha, Alderville, Scugog Island, Rama, Beausoleil, and Georgina Island First Nations. Doors Open Peterborough respectfully acknowledges that the Williams Treaties First Nations are the stewards and caretakers of these lands and waters in perpetuity, and that they continue to maintain this responsibility to ensure their health and integrity for generations to come.
Plant Teachings
In the Anishinaabe creation story plants were created before man. Humans are not at the top of creation, and therefore are the most dependent. In the Anishinaabe worldview, our relationship with nature has become one-sided. When we look at plants, we often think only of what we can extract from them. One way to begin to repair this relationship is to talk to plants. Anishinaabe protocols require introducing plants just like one would introduce another human being. Anishinaabe teachings state that plants must be given the honour of being asked for their sacrifice. Always ask before taking something from a plant. Explain what you need it for, who it will help, and how you will continue to care for it. Plants can say ‘no’. If you encounter resistance after asking, there is your answer! To learn more about other Indigenous plants and teachings, please consult a Traditional Elder, Healer, or Medicine Person.
Walk and Discover
Experience Jackson Park through a new perspective and explore its native plants and what they can teach us. For centuries Jackson Park has been a significant site for Indigenous culture; the plants, trees, and other natural materials found here are part of a holistic worldview that emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things on earth. During your self-guided tour you will learn Anishinaabe teachings as they relate to some of the more familiar plant species you encounter in the park. Teachings vary from community to community and from one geographic region to another.
Plant Walking Tour
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Cedar
Tobacco, sage, cedar, and sweetgrass make up the four sacred medicines. These medicines are used in everyday life, smudging, and ceremonies. Cedar is used to purify the home. Medicinally, cedar baths are healing, and cedar tea is an excellent source of vitamin C. When put in the fire with tobacco, cedar crackles. This crackling calls the spirits’ attention to the offering being made. Cedar is also used in fasting and sweat lodge ceremonies as a form of protection.
2
Spruce
The black and white spruce trees are the only spruce native to the Great Lakes area. In Anishinaabe culture, a plant’s limitations in one area do not mean it lacks purpose. Spruce wood is too full of resin to make good firewood. However, this resin can patch holes in canoes and prevent drips in the roof of wigwams. Spruce roots are a preferred binding for canoes and large makakoon (boxes). Like cedar, the foliage of spruce is Cattail rich in vitamin C.
3
Mint
The mint family of flowering plants contains 236 genera and more than 7,000 species. While you might think smell alone is enough to identify mint, Anishinaabe teachings emphasize using all senses for plant identification. The novice medicine person is encouraged to smell, taste, feel, and listen to the plants that their teacher indicates are safe. To create unique flavours, try planting two different mints in the same garden. When they come up next year, the plant will have a different flavour.
4
Cattail
Cattails help the Anishinaabe in many ways. Cattails are a source of food and can be turned into toys and crafts. They provide warmth as bedding and clothing and can be woven into mats. Cattails also protect shores against wave erosion. Anishinaabe teachings about plants have had to adapt to the consequences of colonialism. Due to increased air and water pollution, teachings about cattails now include ensuring that the cattails one wishes to use are not growing in contaminated air or water.
5
Birch
Cedar and birch trees are some of the most important trees to the Anishinaabe. The Midewiwin, a group of spiritual advisors and healers, used birch bark scrolls to record ceremonial instructions, healing songs, and medicine recipes. Birch bark is waterproof and can be used for a box (makak, plural: makakoon), a canoe (wiigwaasi-jiimaan), and as roofing for the dome-shaped wigwam (waaginogaan). Harvesting birch bark from live trees requires special skill. If done incorrectly it can kill the tree.