Explore + Create: Indigenous Plant Knowledge & Salve-Making Workshop

A special family program workshop on November 14th at the Gordon Smith Gallery with Alicia Willams and Mathew Delorme-King Main Floor Gordon Smith Gallery 2121 Lonsdale Ave 1:00PM - 3:00 PM Join us for a special Explore + Create workshop exploring Indigenous plant knowledge, traditional harvesting practices, and the art of making herbal salves. Facilitated by Alicia Williams, with support from Mathew Delorme-King, this hands-on workshop invites young participants to learn about plants, their cultural significance, and their uses in everyday life. Beginning with an introduction to plant identification and traditional knowledge, participants will explore the relationships between plants, people, and the land before learning how to prepare their own herbal salves. Using plant-infused oils and other natural ingredients, participants will take part in the salve-making process and create something to bring home. The salve-making workshop is recommended for children and youth ages 10 and up. A separate floral collage-making activity will also be available for younger children and participants with allergies or sensitivities to the ingredients used in the salve-making. See below for allergy information. This alternative hands-on activity invites participants to explore plants and flowers through creative collage, ensuring that families of different ages and needs can take part in the afternoon's programming. Explore + Create is a free family art-making program at the Gordon Smith Gallery. RSVP Required for November 14th Special Workshop. ** Materials and Allergy Information ** The salve-making workshop may use the following ingredients: • Plants: Yarrow, calendula, comfrey, and nettle • Base ingredients: Grapeseed oil, beeswax, and shea butter Please note that the salve-making activity involves plant-based ingredients and beeswax. Participants with allergies or sensitivities are encouraged to inform the organizers in advance. A separate floral collage activity will be available for participants who cannot take part in salve-making, as well as younger children. Please advise the organizers of any relevant allergies or sensitivities, including to floral materials. Questions can be sent to our Programs Manager Yvette Salazar at [email protected] About the Facilitators Alicia Williams qiyəp=təna:t (Alicia Williams) is a Sto:lo and Musqueam researcher of Indigenous plant medicine and former Downtown Eastside resident. They have previously collaborated with the University of Victoria through a project with the V6A Gardens to study traditional medicine’s health benefits for substance users in the Downtown Eastside. qiyəp=təna:t is currently the Indigenous medicine coordinator at the V6A Gardens, a community-led project at Hawks and Hastings, as well as a facilitator of the Indigenous programs Kilala Lelum. Alicia Williams is a community-based facilitator whose workshops introduce participants to plant knowledge and hands-on herbal preparations. Through activities such as rice-cooker salve-making, she creates opportunities for participants to explore the uses of plants, engage in practical learning, and develop a greater appreciation for plant-based practices. Mathew Delorme-King Mathew Delorme-King is a Woodland Cree and Red River Métis knowledge keeper originally from Treaty 6 territory. Drawing on prairie teachings, cultural knowledge, and experience working with Elders and knowledge keepers in Vancouver, his practice centres community, cultural connection, and healing. He holds a Family and Community Counselling certificate from Native Education College and is passionate about empowering Indigenous youth through culturally grounded learning.