October 2022 - Honourable Harvest

HONOURABLE HARVEST is an ancient and relevant practice that applies to every exchange between people and the earth. It is not written down but beautifully phrased by Professor Robin Wall Kimmerer of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation from her book BRAIDING SWEETGRASS with Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants. Our Calvary Book Club read and enjoyed her inspirational stories last February.

 

  • 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 that 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.

Kim Knowles