On a rainy Thursday morning at the UBC Farm Yurt, twenty researchers, community members, and allies gathered for a day of discussion and medicine bag making. The primary intentions of the day were to talk about Indigenous-led research methodology while participating in a hands-on Indigenous research method.
Amid an increasingly fast-paced work environment we have all grown accustomed to, we wanted to give everyone an opportunity to gather and slow down for a day. In doing this, we hoped to create a space to appreciate the little moments in between—without a desire to reach an end result.
“I appreciated the directions we were given to go through each step together . . . This was so impactful because we weren’t rushing to be the first one done. The workshop was prepared in a way that we do it slowly.”
– Christina Lennox, Cluster Member
We took our time going through each step as a group, pausing in between to engage in discussion with one another. It was important that we moved through the steps as one, ensuring we didn’t rush the process. The making of the bag was used as a vehicle for discussion so that we could learn from the medicine bag and from those around us. As we created, our conversations flowed from meaning-making, to what it means to engage in a “good way”, to thinking relationally about how we are connected to the medicine bag and materials. Despite the weather typical for November in Vancouver, the space warmed up quickly. Each guest brought not only their bright spirit and open minds, but also a willingness to make connections and build relations with each other and with the medicine pouches.
“There is a relationality to this work that is not acknowledged in western research.”
– Maram Alkawaja, Cluster Member
Indigenous scholars and researchers Christina Lennox and Lori Huston, who are members of our research cluster, shared their own experiences of their work, passing on knowledge of Indigenous pedagogy, storytelling through beadwork, and heart–centered work.
The theme of storytelling remained strong throughout our time together.
After being given devil’s club buttons, cut from the stalk of the plant and sanded down to a flat cylinder by our Elder Duane, a participant held their button up to the light. Dozens of rings appeared—some segments darker or lighter than others. We speculated what could have happened throughout the plant’s life to cause these. Painting pictures in our minds, we held onto one idea: whether through rings, wrinkles, art, or language, each living thing tells a story.
As the workshop came to a close, we were left with our completed pouches, each one a little different and reflective of our spirit.
We filled our bags with the four sacred medicines (cedar, sweetgrass, sage, and tobacco), our devil’s club button, and the good medicine we received by being in community together.
We ended our gathering in a circle led by Auntie Rosie, who tied the day together with thoughtful reflection and gratitude.
Thank you to our Elders, cluster members, staff, and everyone who participated and contributed to this special day!