The Nodding Trillium was one of the many plants that truly fascinated us this year. We had walked past it countless times, never realizing it was quietly growing all around us—hiding its delicate white bloom beneath its leaves. Once we finally noticed it, we began to understand why so many traditional plants are described as humble teachers.
Exploring Traditional Knowledge Through Arts, Photography, and Land-Based Learning
One of this year’s most meaningful Arts Incubator and Land Lab projects actually began during our pilot program back in 2022. At the time, we were still finding our footing—organizing, listening, learning, and shaping our structures. We only got a small glimpse of what was possible.
But now, we’re back—and we’re going deeper. Last year, we learned a tonne about sustainable agriculture as part of our Relationship Development and Engagement activities that were supported by Manitoba Agriculture and their Indigenous Food Systems and Agriculture programs. Those experiences really set the tone and it was a lot of fun.
This year, as part of our ongoing photography, storytelling, and arts-based learning activities, we’re documenting the life cycles of the plants we’re growing in our plots. But it doesn’t stop there. We’re also heading into the forests that surround us—listening, walking, and taking note of the many traditional plants growing all around, often overlooked but never forgotten.
Knowledge Gaps
For many of us, there’s a gap in knowledge. We don’t always know how the native plants in our region were used by our grandparents or great-grandparents when they still lived on the land. That’s what makes this work powerful. The more we learn, the more curious we become—and the more connected we feel.
This season, we’ll be capturing every phase of growth—sprout to bloom to decay—while learning how these plants were used for food, medicine, ceremony, and more. What makes this project even more exciting is that our other hubs across Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut are also joining in. Together, we’ll compare how plants grow across our regions, how they adapt, and how our ancestors worked with them.
Through this shared exploration, we’re not just learning about plants—we’re learning about ourselves, our community stories, and the ecosystems we belong to.
We’ll be showcasing our findings in a special exhibition later this fall as part of our 2025 Fall & Winter program, launching in late October. Expect stories, photographs and reflections gathered from every corner of our growing network.
Stay tuned—and maybe take a walk in the woods. You never know what’s growing beside you.
