The Treaty Land Sharing Network is making waves in Saskatchewan and Alberta by creating an inventory of medicinal plants found on land shared by Prairie farmers. This initiative is a testament to the network's commitment to honoring the original intent of the treaties: to share the land and resources. The project is led by knowledge keepers like Linda Obey-Lavallee, a traditional picker and knowledge keeper of medicinal plants from the Piapot First Nation. Obey-Lavallee's expertise in plant identification and proper harvesting techniques is invaluable to the project. She emphasizes the importance of respecting the land and Mother Earth, ensuring that only what is needed is taken, and leaving the plants to regrow.
The Treaty Land Sharing Network began in 2019, following the tragic death of Colten Boushie and the Gerald Stanley trial, with the goal of creating safer spaces and building connections between landowners and Indigenous people. The network's map was launched in 2021, and it now includes 59 locations across Saskatchewan and six in Alberta. One of these locations is 98 Ranch, close to Lake Alma, where Ross MacDonald has lived for over 20 years. MacDonald has been a part of the network from the beginning, sharing his land with Indigenous communities for activities like hunting and berry picking.
MacDonald's passion for preserving native Prairie grasslands and his connections with Indigenous people have led to a vast knowledge of plants and their medicinal properties. He believes that reconnecting with traditional knowledge strengthens our understanding of the grasslands and the importance of keeping these landscapes intact. The project has also been emotionally fulfilling for MacDonald, as he and his wife have shared spaces with people interested in the same ecosystems.
Linda Obey-Lavallee's involvement in the project is particularly fascinating. She not only uncovers plants but also re-traces the steps of her ancestors, finding teepee rings and old settlements. She is in awe of the way her people roamed from place to place, depleting the land only for what they needed and then moving on. Obey-Lavallee's work with the Treaty Land Sharing Network is like a mini-vacation, allowing her to do what she loves while also connecting with her cultural heritage.
The project is not just about creating an inventory of medicinal plants; it's about building positive connections and good relations. Knowledge keepers like Obey-Lavallee and Barbara Lavallee are working to create an inventory in each area around Saskatchewan and Alberta, with the hope that these lands can be used to educate future generations. Landowners are open to hunting and gathering and are willing to share cultural items needed for ceremonies. The project's emotional impact is evident, as it allows people to experience the same places where their ancestors lived, hunted, and gathered.
In conclusion, the Treaty Land Sharing Network's initiative to create an inventory of medicinal plants is a powerful example of cultural preservation and reconciliation. It highlights the importance of respecting the land, honoring treaties, and building positive connections between different communities. The project's impact extends beyond the inventory itself, fostering a deeper understanding of the land and a stronger connection to cultural heritage.
