Lii zistwayr di la fann — Stories from the Silver Berry
November 7 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Join us for a full-day Métis land-based cultural workshop as we travel together to harvest Wolf Willow (Silver Berry) while learning proper harvesting protocols and our responsibilities when gathering from the land.
Throughout the day, we will share Métis stories, teachings, and traditional uses of Wolf Willow, including how its seeds were used to make jewellery and rosaries. After harvesting, participants will learn how to prepare the berries and seeds and create their own piece of Wolf Willow jewellery to take home.
This will be a day of storytelling, land-based learning, culture, and hands-on creation, connecting the teachings of those who came before us with the generations carrying them forward.
About the Facilitator — Kalyn Kodiak
Kalyn Kodiak is a Métis Knowledge Keeper with a wealth of knowledge about plants, traditional uses, harvesting practices, and our relationship with the land. She has shared her knowledge of Wolf Willow, including its cultural significance, traditional uses, and the stories connected to its berries and seeds.
For this workshop, Kalyn will guide participants onto the land to learn about Wolf Willow, respectful harvesting protocols, and the stories and teachings surrounding the plant. Participants will then bring what they have gathered back to learn how Wolf Willow seeds can be prepared and transformed into jewelry.
Kalyn’s approach brings together land-based learning, story, cultural knowledge, and hands-on practice, helping participants understand not only how something is made, but the teachings and relationships that come with it.
Limited Space — Registration by Draw
Due to the intimate nature of this gathering, we can only accommodate a limited number of participants.
Registering for the workshop will enter your name into the draw and does not guarantee a space at the event.
After registration closes, and in an effort to make the selection process fair, participants will be chosen through a random online draw. To keep the process open and transparent, the draw will be posted on our Facebook page for everyone to see. We will also try to make the draw available through our website for those who do not use Facebook.
Those selected will be contacted directly to confirm their attendance and will receive the exact gathering location, travel details, and any additional information they will need for the day.
Made Possible Through the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund - Catholic Diocese of Calgary
This workshop is offered free of charge thanks to the generous support of the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF). This funding helps us create opportunities for Métis citizens to reconnect with our history, culture, land-based knowledge, stories, and traditions, while ensuring these teachings continue to be shared with future generations.
We are grateful to the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund for supporting this important work of cultural reconnection, learning, and community.