May 28, 2022 – Naapi’s Garden and Katoyiss Seed Bank visit (By William Singer III)
Naapi’s Garden and Katoyiss Seed Bank was created to further the continuing adaptation of the Niitsitapi.
Today we are facing a decline in our Native plants, which leads to a decline in community health. Every plant that we lose affects our Niitsitapi way of life.
Navigating environmental and social climate change requires looking to our stories and culture to take action.
It’s also to prepare our children for the future, to become true Niitsitapi horticulturists and future scientists by growing our native plants from seed.
To utilize Blackfoot Ecological Knowledge to heal ourselves through the plants and herbs given to us by the creator.
To create reciprocity through land restoration, research, education and partnership.
To assist and create food security solutions by developing community gardens.
To assist and facilitate individuals on the path to healing utilizing land based knowledge creating the connection to Ksahkomm and have the ultimate respect.
Learning the lessons from Naapi and to take action by being a steward of the land like Katoyiss and his dog, sisomm.
Their stories are an inspiration to take action.
Land Back action!
Naapi’s Garden and Katoyiss Seed Bank is partnered with the Iinnii Rematriation and are research projects of the Kainai Ecosystem Protection Association and are partnered with Blood Tribe Land Management.
(L to R) Connie Shouting, Clo Ann Wells, BTLM Director, Celina Starns, Hannia Peper, Ken Wu Nature Based Solutions Foundations, William Singer III (Api’soomaahka – Running Coyote) Naapi’s Garden & Katoyiss Seed Bank raised garden bed for traditional grasses, herbs and plants, Singer Lake, Blood Reserve, AB on May 28, 2022.
Tracy Weasel Moccasin watching a presentation given by Api’soomaahka William Singer III, on traditional Blackfoot herbs and medicines, at Naapi’s Garden & Katoyiss Seed Bank, Blood Reserve on May 28, 2022.
Api’soomaahka William Singer III giving a presentation out on the grassland at Singer Lake, Blood Reserve, AB on May 28, 2022.
(L to R) Susan Bruised Head, Hannia Peper Nature Based Solutions Foundation, Tracy Weasel Moccasin, Connie Shouting, Diandra Bruised Head Blood Tribe Councillor, Celina Starnes Nature Based Solutions Foundation, Annette Bruised Head, Kendra Tingiak, Clo Ann Wells Director BTLM, William Singer III Api’soomaahka, Naapi’s Garden & Katoyiss Seed Bank, Nathan Mistaken Chief Invasive Plant Technician, BTLM, Van Singer, Ken Wu Nature Based Solutions Foundation, Jarrett Panther Bone Invasive Plant Technician, BTLM, Sarah Cox at Singer Lake, Blood Reserve, AB on May 28, 2022.
(L to R) Susan Bruised Head, Celina Starnes, Api’soomaahka William Singer III, Clo Ann Wells at the BTLM willows bio-engineering (using willows to stabilize the riverbank) at the Red Crow Park on May 28, 2022.
Low-Carbon Adventure: David Suzuki Tours Canada in an Electric Vehicle – Blood Tribe Iinnii (Buffalo) Paddock Visit
David Suzuki and Diandra Brusied Head Blood Tribe Councillor visit in front of David’s electric car during a stop at the Kainai Iinnii Rematriation Project’s Buffalo Paddock on the Blood Reserve, AB on May 28, 2022.
(L to R) Clo Ann Wells Director, BTLM, Diandra Bruised Head Blood Tribe Councillor, Tara Cullis, David Suzuki at the Iinnii Paddock on May 28, 2022.
(L to R) Van Singer, Maria Russell Blood Tribe Councillor, David Suzuki, Diandra Bruised Head Blood Tribe Councillor at the Iinnii Paddock on May 28, 2022.
Api’soomaahka William Singer III and David Suzuki at the Iinnii Paddock, Blood Reserve, AB on May 28, 2022.
(Photo Credit: Todd Eagle Child Communications Officer, Blood Tribe Communications & Community Engagement)
