Virtual nature walk offers 'another way to connect to our homelands'
On a recent sunny spring day, Cheryl Bryce led a nature walk through a lush Kwetlal food system (Garry Oak ecosystem) in Lekwungen territory.
But the people who participated in Bryce's walk weren't there with her in person, they joined her virtually through Instagram Live.
Using her smartphone, Bryce guided viewers through the hilly landscape of Meegan (also known as Beacon Hill Park) in Victoria, B.C.
"This is another way to connect to our homelands," explained Bryce.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Bryce, who is a knowledge keeper from the Songhees Nation, has been finding ways to help people stay connected to nature while still maintaining physical distance.
Bryce's virtual walk is part of a new series called online/onland, curated by Open Space Arts Society. The series was conceived of, and is co-ordinated by, Open Space's Indigenous curator Eli Hirtle. The series consists of weekly virtual walks led by Indigenous artists and knowledge keepers, like Bryce. The walks are shared on Instagram Live and can also be viewed later through Open Space's website.
'A connection in so many ways'
Kwetlal, the Lekwungen name for camas, grows in Meegan's meadows. The vibrant purple Kwetlal flowers were just beginning to bloom on Bryce's walk.
"Kwetlal is very important to who we are as Lekwungen," said Bryce.
Traditionally, the Kwetlal bulbs were a major trade item and food resource for the Lekwungen, explained Bryce. Today, Bryce harvests and cooks camas "the Lekwungen way" by pit cooking the bulbs.
Managing the Kwetlal food system is a traditional role of Lekwungen women. Bryce, with the support of her family and community, has been caring for the Kwetlal food system for decades.
"Camas connects me to my ancestors," she said.
"It connects me to the land. It connects me to the future generation, and it connects me to the people who are here today, my family, my extended family, my friends, community," explained Bryce.
"It's a connection in so many ways."
Maintaining community connection during the pandemic
In addition to her virtual walk through Meegan, Bryce is using social media to connect members of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations with Indigenous plants. She has been "encouraging and reaching out to anyone that might want to create their own medicine and food box," explained Bryce.
Bryce has been posting online and messaging with members about plants that she can deliver to them. Plants like Kwetlal, yarrow, wild strawberries, stinging nettle, and slim-leaf onion.
"It's a way to keep connected to our traditional foods and to the land and to our history, to our ancestors, to who we are."
"It's very important to maintain the connection," she said.
Bryce, who has a full-time job, does this work in her spare time as part of her traditional role, she explained.
She will start delivering plants to members next week, and she will also be supporting members with how to care for the plants.
"It can start small," encouraged Bryce. A planter pot is a way to maintain connection to the natural world, she explained.
"I think this is a good way to lift your spirits and to do something that you feel good about. One way to give you strength through this challenging time."