October 2024 - Honourable Harvest

HONOURABLE HARVEST, is an ancient and relevant practice applied to every exchange between people and the earth. It is not written down but beautifully phrased by Potawatomi professor, Robin Wall Kimmerer, from her book BRAIDING SWEETGRASS - Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants. Our Calvary Book Club read and enjoyed her inspirational stories several years ago and it is well worth repeating.

 

  • KNOW the ways of the ones who take care of you, so that you may take care of them.

  • INTRODUCE yourself. Be accountable as the one who comes asking for life.

  • ASK permission before taking. Abide by the answer.

  • NEVER take the first. Never take the last.

  • TAKE only what you need.

  • TAKE only that which is given.

  • NEVER take more than half. Leave some for others.

  • HARVEST in a way that minimizes harm.

  • USE it respectfully. Never waste what you have taken. Share.

  • GIVE thanks for what you have been given.

  • GIVE a gift in reciprocity for what you have taken.

  • SUSTAIN the ones who sustain you and the earth will last forever.

 

Robin Wall Kimmerer will be speaking at Centennial Hall on Thursday, October 17th at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 through Eventbrite

Kim Knowles