Birch Bark and Introduction to Plant Harvesting

Develop a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and art with our new Indigenous Perspective Workshops, where we bring Métis stories and culture to life with instructor Natalie Pepin. In the Birch Bark Basket Making and Rosehip Harvesting Workshop, you’ll learn the traditional skill of basket making and discover the seasonality of harvesting as you embark on a guided plant walk around the Fort Edmonton Park trails. 

During the basket making portion of the workshop, you’ll gain an understanding of basket shapes and functions and decorating options, and learn how to handle birch bark and spruce roots. Through the harvesting of rosehips, you’ll have the opportunity to relate to the land across time and be reminded that everything has its season. Walk away knowing about the different parts of the rosehip, how to process the rosehip and a recipe for rosehip tea. 

Each attendee takes home their very own Birch Bark Basket.