Indigenous Culture Based Learning in Alberta Curriculum

Please note that the teachings and videos featured on this website are based on the Woodland Cree Peoples’ ways of knowing and being in the Northwestern region of Alberta. The knowledge, customs, protocols, and practices shared here have been gained through a lifetime of teachings from family and Elders, deeply rooted in Cree/Métis spiritual and subsistence lifestyle.

APLC acknowledges that we all have different teachings and different protocols and practices in our own communities, and encourages users to consult with their local Elders regarding local practices and customs. This website represents the way of passing knowledge as it was taught to Wapastim. Ninaskamon.

Indigenous Culture Based Learning in Alberta Curriculum

Harvesting Medicines from Plants and Animals

A number of videos are provided that teach us about harvesting plants: how to identify species, how to harvest in a good way, where they can be found, and what they can be used for. Wāpastim also shares how to mix and measure common medicines. Additionally, we learn about harvesting and making bear grease.

Videos in This Series:

  • Protocol on Herb Gathering (6:58)
  • Plants and Trees – Animate/Inanimate (9:47)
  • Harvesting Rat Root (Pending)
  • Mountain Ash (Pending)
  • Wild Mint (18:26)
  • Labrador Tea (Pending)
  • Balsam (Pending)
  • Dandelion Harvest (13:39)
  • Legend of Dandelion (10:30)
  • Willow Fungus (15:06)
  • Devils Club (10:09)
  • Devils Club Processing (20:10)
  • Lily Pad Root (10:02)
  • Preparing Lily Pad Root and Use (13:44)
  • Harvesting Bear Fat (24:43)
  • Rendering Bear Fat (32:09)

Continue your learning with the Mixing and Measuring Common Medicines video series, found in Traditional Practices videos.