by Alissa Desormeaux & Nia Neumann
This art project is a collaboration between two friends working together in different geographical locations in Canada to support sharing Indigenous knowledge through Robyn Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants (2013). This project was inspired by studying the social determinants of health, especially the health benefits of having access to education, mental health services and to community. We believe that by sharing quotes of Kimmerer’s book in public spaces, we are encouraging curiosity and education about the connection between humans and nature. This is being conducted in two ways. One, is through wheat pasting quotes from the book on stones and replacing them in various environments that would provoke one to look at their surroundings differently. The second, is through gifting the book and placing it in local Free Little Libraries.
We believe that mental well-being can be enhanced through reading and connecting to Indigenous wisdom, and can promote connection and feeling a part of a wider environmental community through gift-giving and giving thanks.
This project provided us with a space to take an idea to action and activism. Please see the PowerPoint shared here if you are inspired to participate in this project with us. Thank you!
Kimmerer, R. W. (2013). Braiding sweetgrass: Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and teachings of plants. Minneapolis, MN: Milkweed Press.
