Wikwemikong First Nation wants community help to tap maple trees

The Wikwemikong band resources manager is hoping the community will come out this week to tap their maple trees.

Stitch Manitowabi said the sap is now running and it's time to take advantage of nature's bounty. The community has an evaporator to turn sap into syrup.

The sugaring season is a way for people to connect with their traditions, and improve their health, he said.

“A little bit of physical activity doesn't hurt a lot of people and I believe most of us are wired hard to go out and do some great work on the land.”

Manitowabi said the community produced more than 140 litres of syrup last year.

He said it's meant for people to use and to give as treasured gifts, but not for sale.

Manitowabi noted the sap acts as a diuretic when consumed.

“First of all,  I think it's an excellent medicine for the people, right from drinking the sap water, and also using the syrup as an alternative for other generic products out there on the market,” he said.