Honoring and thanking Mother Earth on January 1

Ey swayel to all 

To begin, I am sharing some pictures of a annual event that i started to honor the rich resources that are in our Soowahlie Thewali community. 

I began 15 years ago w my children Sarah Jo and Travis. Offering of gratitude to say 'thanks mother earth, your amazing, thanks for you water, earth, land teachings. ' Thanks for creating joy in this busy world for us as we hike, bike, walk, kayak, swim together.  

My goal was to create space for 'us' to reflect on that this s not what all people have in their back yards or minutes from their homes. We need to take care of these creek beds and the lands. So it can take care of us, 'when we need it'  

The gifts of watching the growth of the shrubs, trees, plants in the later part of winter thru to early spring, is truly magical. The vibrant colours of 'green' and 'blue' with the plants and the water as it reaches its highest levels so the salmon can continue on with their journey.  

I remember thru the years, how important that Vedder Bridge was to us, that was also built w the community and always hoping that the route to the bridge 'that someday' may never come (to be paved over and replaced with dollar store flowers, and photo images of trees) To remind us of what beauty once existed.

Its 2024, and its 'different' however 

At least we still have something left to enjoy, thru the si:lolem.  seasons of the year

I hope my grand gifts and their future grandgifts also find ways to offer gratitude for what was created long ago for us to enjoy 

Gracie