It's that time of summer! We're starting to see the blueberries ripe enough for picking. Photo: Jamie Bell
Northern Gold, Sweet Summer Harvest
As summer peaks in Northwestern Ontario, fields and clearings erupt with the deep blue hues of wild blueberries. These small, intensely flavored berries are far more than just a sweet snack; they are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with antioxidants and a quintessential taste of the northern landscape. Whether dotting rocky outcrops of the Canadian Shield or flourishing in burnt-over areas, these native Ontario berries represent the very essence of summer abundance and healthy wild food.
Berry season brings people together. Picking blueberries in Northwestern Ontario is a deeply ingrained traditional practice, cherished by Indigenous communities for millennia and embraced by generations of settlers. It’s a time for families and friends to head out into the bush, baskets in hand, sharing stories and laughter while filling containers with nature’s bounty. This activity is more than just collecting food; it’s a cultural touchstone, linking people to the land and to a long line of those who harvested before them.
Our summer art program at the Living Land Lab have found immense inspiration in the blueberry harvest. Artists have used the vibrant colours of the berries as a palette for painting and drawing, while photography students have worked to capture the texture, light, and sheer quantity of these delicious fruits. We’ve also woven in storytelling about the importance of blueberries in local diets and economies, fostering a deeper connection between art, food, and the rich traditions of Northwestern Ontario.
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