Here is a photo of the cedar tree — also known as the Tree of Life. Its long leaves are waterproof and it was used often to make blankets and rope. It was and still is used on top of houses and inside buildings.
This is a thimbleberry leaf. The plant is very soft and can be used as toilet paper if you have nothing else. It’s recognizable by its light green colour and it’s maple leaf shape.
This is a plantain, but Mr. Cowie called it the bandaid plant. It’s used as a medicine and has the same type of texture as a bandaid. There is a thinner and longer version, and it can wrap around your finger.
This is a dandelion leaf. It’s edible and bitter, though it can keep you going if you don’t have anything else to eat. The entire dandelion is edible as well, and it can help with digestion.
Mr. Cowie’s teachings helped me understand the land and the nature around me deeply, and I learned many new things that I hadn’t known before. The stories about the tree of life and the mouse that hid the gift of life in humanity’s hearts were very interesting. I always love listening to storytellers, and elders who share their stories.