Take only what you need today so that there is more for you to enjoy tomorrow.
Foraging for the future
Many indigenous plants struggle to thrive in the face of a rapidly expanding urban landscape. When I find a plant I want to paint with, I do my best to ensure its survival for future generations and its reproduction for future harvests.
My harvests are very limited in size, leaving enough for the birds and other animals who rely on the plant for food and shelter. This means that my paints are super small-batch, micro-batch compared to industrial paint production.
Often I am tempted to to go back and get "just a few more". But there's only so many times that can be said before the whole plant is gone. It's a constant battle of what I want today vs. what I will want in the future.
Forgaing with care & respect
Indigenous communities across Canada have been subject to food insecurity for generations, as a direct result of the creation of reserves and federal policies like the Indian Act.
Out of respect and reverence for British Columbia’s indigenous cultures and communities, I do my best to research and be aware of traditional territory and unceeded territory boundaries. As we travel, I reach out to the relevant band office, First Nation's office, or Tribal Parks office to ask for permission to harvest from their land.
When asked I will report the species, location, and volume of my harvest. I am thankful to them for being responsible stewards of our coastline.