Land-based healing justice includes Climate Advocacy
There are several ways that we can contribute to Climate Advocacy. For some it will be through increased awareness of spending. For others, through work that honours the sacred spaces of the land we inhabit, and the cycles of life that contribute to delicate ecosystems.
As the author of this post, I must disclose that my Indigenous-led training in full spectrum Doula work has been a gateway to restoring blood memory of Plantkin healing.
Plantkin ways of thinking and knowing about spirit includes our plants as relatives, (i.e) our Plantkin are no different from our Aunties. This kinship is formed when one begins to learn of the selflessness of our Plantkin, who offer their gifts of healing and companionship, even in the most urban spaces, surrounded by only adverse growing conditions. It has been astounding to find myself in spaces and to discover particular Plantkin thriving with specific offerings to learn from. This self-study can lead to many places and served as self-care while I maintained employment in child welfare and correctional spaces, each rife with vicarious trauma.
Connecting to Plantkin teachings and learning opportunities can be considered an aspect of land-based healing and the wider healing justice movement, central to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) social justice work. Learning about the history of the Cedar Tree and the many places Cedar medicines infuse our ceremonies has continued to be a powerful source of healing and spiritual replenishment to me. To be faced with the vast and inherent wisdom of our ancestors, validated and upheld by scientific study in numerous ways, was truly humbling.
Land-based Healing has become a staple for Indigenous-led solutions and a way to learn about ceremonial protocols, lodge keeping, helping Elders, and appropriately honouring the gifts of Plantkin spirits who so selflessly offer themselves. Over time, I began to offer the idea of Plantkin Reconciliation.
In an attempt to broaden the discussion on climate change, it is time to discuss the most pressing concept of reconciliation: recognition and respect for the fact that we are the dependent life on this planet. It is time to reconcile with the facts of history and science that have determined our present, in an attempt to safeguard our futures. Land-based healing justice includes Climate Advocacy. There is no healing justice unless we collectively support and make change.
Chrystal Désilets is the Indigenous Rights Program Coordinator at KAIROS.
