(Submitted/ Courtney Sevigny)

By Nigel Maxwell

Local Farming

Cumberland House Cree Nation Expands Food and Medicine Forest

Jul 8, 2023 | 8:00 AM

A food and medicine forest in Northeast Saskatchewan is seeding very good results.

Cumberland House Cree Nation and Cumberland Wood Products have confirmed expansion of their Food and Medicine Forest Project with the planting of an additional seven hectares of food-bearing and medicinally significant plants and trees in the spring of 2023.

This ambitious endeavor builds upon the initial phase of the project, which saw the planting of 4,000 seedlings in June 2022.

The Food and Medicine Forest Project is a dedicated collaboration between Cumberland House Cree Nation, Cumberland Wood Products, and Project Forest, serving to enhance the ecological diversity of the region and to provide community members with increased access to traditional food sources and medicinal plants.

The selection and planting of a wide variety of plants, including but not limited to berries, fruits, and trees with medicinal properties, will provide both sustenance and healing opportunities for the community.

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“The expansion of the Project Forest – Cumberland House Cree Nation Food and Medicine Forest signifies our community’s commitment to restoring and preserving our cultural heritage,” said Chief Rene Chaboyer. “By reintroducing these food-bearing and medicinally significant plants and trees, we ensure the well-being of our community and future generations.”

The expanded phase of the Food and Medicine Forest involved extensive planning and engagement with local community members. Approximately 25 Cumberland House Cree Nation members participated in the preparation of the land and the planting of the seedlings.

The seedlings planted include 3,600 Bobbs Willow, 2,000 Raspberry, 1,440 White Birch, 1,440 Silver Buffaloberry, 790 Saskatoon Berry, 405 Mountain Ash, and thanks to a generous donation by Edgewood Forest Products, 4,320 White Spruce.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell