Kodiak Herbal Metis Culture

Metis Sash Loom Weaving (Live workshop, 2 days)
2022-11-05 10:00 - 2022-11-06 15:00 (America/Edmonton) | Kodiak Herbal Apothecary, 2410 2 Avenue SE, Bay G, Calgary, AB, T2E 6J9, Canada
Create your own custom sayncheur flayshii (Metis sash) on an artisan hand loom while learning traditions and history of the Metis sash. This cultural workshop takes place in a small group, with plenty of time for tea & socializing while we learn.
You don’t need weaving experience – Beginners are encouraged to come learn the basics of loom weaving from a Metis perspective. Loom and tools are easy to use and can be applied – along with your new skills – to a variety of woven projects.
Date/Time: Saturday/Sunday, November 5 & 6, 2022. 10:00am – 3:00pm each day
Location: Kodiak Herbal, 2410 2 Ave SE, Calgary
What’s Included:

Hand-made cedar & pine loom, rigid heddle, shuttle, backboard, yarn, pattern and threading tool
Instruction to assemble loom, the basics of good weaving, troubleshooting, properly finishing a woven project
Hands-on guidance to complete your first project – a full-size, custom Metis sash in the chevron or arrow pattern
History and traditions of the ‘sayncheur flayshii’ (Michif for ‘arrow belt’)
Contemporary use, symbolism & culture of the Metis sash – overview of the many options for creating your own designs
Access to printable pattern files that can be edited to create endless new designs
Easy to use patterns and tools that can be reused for further projects such as belts, regalia bands, panels, dish clothes, small towels, cloth bags – and of course, more sashes

Become a member of the “I Made My Own Sash Club” on Facebook after the workshop, to share images of your work, connect with other sash weavers and ask questions/get help with future projects. New patterns and ideas are occasionally added to the group, as well as offers for future weaving workshops and learning opportunities.
Workshop Cost:
$260.00+gst for all materials & teachings
While this workshop is live in Calgary, you can also take part in the online video workshop via kodiakherbal.thinkific.com . Please note: prices are listed in USD on kodiakherbal.thinkific.com .
Want a Workshop in Your Community? We love to travel for workshops! Minimum group size is 10 participants, please email Kalyn@KodiakHerbal.com for a quote for a workshop in your community.

Herbal Medicine Making Certificate (12-hours)
2022-10-17 18:00 - 2022-10-27 21:00 | Kodiak Herbal Apothecary, 2410 2 Avenue SE, Bay G, Calgary, AB, T2E 6J9, Canada
The 12-hour plant medicine making certificate program designed for students & plant medicine enthusiasts who want to take their understanding of herbs to the next level.
Creating your own herbal formulas is an accessible, affordable and empowering way to connect with plants from your local environment! This program focuses on making safe & effective herbal remedies, by employing knowledge of plant chemistry, formulation techniques, and critical thinking. Course outcomes include a deeper understanding of how plant medicines work together in formula, as well as ethical, legal & safety guidelines to making remedies that every herbalist should know.
Guided by a Registered Clinical Herbalist instructor, students learn a variety of extraction methods for plant-based medicines and design sample products for personal testing. Detailed course itinerary and learning materials will be emailed to registered attendees 1 week before the program start date.
Workshop For: This workshop is designed for students of a herbal medicine program – however anyone interested in safe, effective herbal formulating is welcome to attend. Please bring your favorite herbal reference books with you to class, for research purposes.
Practicum/CE Hours: This program provides four (4) Practicum (non-clinical) hours for students of herbal medicine. The entire 12 hour program is applicable for Alberta Herbalists Association education requirements and continuing education credits. Participants who complete the program & assignment will receive a certificate from Kodiak Herbal.
Program Outline:
Monday, Oct. 17th, 6:00-9:00pm: Chemistry & Ethics Intensive

Intro to Chemistry of plant medicine
Extraction methods for plant medicine
Ethics for Herbalists & Formulators

Wednesday, Oct. 19th, 6:00-9:00pm: Formulating Intensive

Safety Considerations for internal remedies – dosing, contraindications & potential interactions
Making Effective Formulas from Plant Extracts
Formulating Assignment

Monday, Oct. 24th, 6:00-9:00pm: Apothecary Day #1

Lab Day – Topical Remedy Making: salves, ointments & oils, liniments, soaks, compresses, plasters
Legal requirements for bottling, labeling & dispensing herbal extracts and formulas, Part 1

Thursday, Oct. 27th, 6:00-9:00pm: Apothecary Day #2

Lab Day – Internal Remedy Making: decoctions & teas, tinctures, glycerites, syrups, oxymels, oil-based extracts
Legal requirements for bottling, labeling & dispensing herbal extracts and formulas, Part 2

What to Bring: Notebook and pen, favorite herbal reference books, a phone or tablet (for online research purposes), tea mug.
More Info: Participants 16 or older can attend this program; youth must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please see our complete workshop policies here. Due to the high cost of formulating ingredients, this workshop has a minimum number of participants to run. Registered attendees will be updated via email before October 10th, 2022.

Metis Wolf Willow: Rosaries & Medicine
2022-09-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Kodiak Herbal Apothecary, 2410 2 Avenue SE, Bay G, Calgary, AB, T2E 6J9, Canada
Prepare wild-harvested wolf willow berries to make jewelry, medicine and Metis silverberry fudge. Learn about the many food and medicine benefits of this beautiful prairie plant.
Silverberries or wolf willow berries are traditionally gathered to make beautiful natural rosaries by the Metis and other Plains people. The seeds of these mealy, sparkly berries decorate clothing, and provide beautiful natural jewelry and regalia. We even make a traditional dessert from the silverberry bush – a delicious & unique confection known as ‘Metis ice cream’. Learning to prepare wolf willow berries for use in recipes, as a medicine and create your own piece of jewelry (necklace or rosary) to wear with pride. Supplies are included.
This workshop is for adults/youth 12 years and older; minors must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring a tea mug with you for sampling; apron is optional. Location: Kodiak Herbal Apothecary, 2410 2 Ave SE Calgary.

Gathering Medicine - Lii Bonn Michinn (Metis Traditions)
2022-09-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Bragg Creek, Location TBA, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Learn about the blended healing traditions of Metis people & our plant medicine traditions, Right Relationships & Living in a Good Way.
The time of harvest is beginning, so let’s harvest in a good way – the way our grandmas knew! We will gather in the foothills near Bragg Creek to:

identify plant species used for food and medicine
learn to safely and responsibly harvest
discuss the ceremony of giving tobacco & alternatives
make medicine based on the plants available

Everyone is welcome to join us for the experience & learning of a traditional harvest. Please wear suitable clothing with layers and good hiking shoes/boots, and bring a small pack to carry bug spray, sun screen/hat, water bottle, portable tea mug and anything else you need to be safe. A ‘sit upon’ or small blanket, and cloth gathering bag are useful items to bring to this event.
Location will be provided the week before the harvest, participants must have their own transportation to/from the site. Ticket price is per adult/youth (13 years and older); children (under 12) are welcome to join with their adult(s). No pets at this event, please.

Metis Medicines of Early Summer - Lii Bonn Michinn Plantwalk
2022-06-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Leighton Art Centre, 282027 144 St W, Millarville, Alberta, T1S 0Y4, Canada
Lii Bonn Michinn Plant Walk in the Foot hills! The flowers of berry bushes, trees and edible greens will be springing up with renewed energy in June! This is the best time to learn traditional plant identification skills, and to harvest the last of the spring greens. As always, this Lii Bonn Michinn workshop is packed with teachings for student herbalists and enthusiasts alike. Featuring teachings on traditional food, tool and medicine plants of the Metis who wandered the eastern slopes of the foot hills.
Workshop Info: This workshop is designed for students of Lii Bonn Michinn, however anyone is welcome to attend. There will be gentle walking, up and down hill over rocky or muddy terrain. We will travel about 3km round-trip. Minors (<18 years) must be accompanied by a guardian. Kids age 4-11 are discounted, please consider that this is a 3-hour event before bringing young children. No dogs on this walk, please.
Parking: Park in front of the school house, at the lower parking lot.
What to Bring: Dress warm, bring extra layers; wear boots or good walking shoes. A notebook and pen, water bottle, bug spray, a hat or sunglasses, raincoat according to the weather.
Practicum/CE Hours: This workshop provides three (3) Practicum (non-clinical) hours for students of herbalism, or three (3) CE hours for Registered Herbalists.

Metis Riverside Plants, Foods & Medicines
2022-05-28 18:00 - 19:30 | Hull’s Wood, Fish Creek Park
Explore 3 unique ecosystems in Fish Creek Park with a Metis Herbalist. We will move along the riverbanks, under cottonwoods and through the prairie grasses of the Bow River Valley, sharing information from Metis plant culture and relationships. Teachings on the identification of, and traditional uses for food and medicine plants of the Metis focus on the wonderful relationship we share with the plants.
Workshop For: This workshop is designed for families, and anyone who likes a shorter walk/slower pace. The route is about 1.5kms round trip. The trail is flat and paved. Families with children are welcome, minors (<18 years) must be accompanied by a guardian. Socialized dogs are allowed, provided they are leashed and under control.
What to Bring: your notebook and pen, water bottle, comfortable clothing to keep you safe for the weather, good walking shoes or boots if it’s wet.
Practicum/CE Hours: This workshop provides one (1) Practicum (non-clinical) hour for students of herbalism, or one (1) CE hours for Registered Herbalists.

Elderberry Medicine Make & Take
2022-05-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Kodiak Herbal Apothecary, 2410 2 Avenue SE, Bay G, Calgary, AB, T2E 6J9, Canada
Elderberry is one of our best traditional antiviral medicines and a traditional source of food, tools and a rainbow spectrum of dyes for clothing and crafts. In this workshop we’ll be making elderberry syrup from scratch, and getting creative along the way with tie-dyes and litmus tests – thanks to the fascinating science of elderberry anthocyanins! You will discover all the medicinal benefits of elderberry, learn about growing elderberries in Alberta, and bring home a fresh bottle of Elderberry Syrup at the end of the class.
Workshop For: Anyone is welcome to attend this workshop. It takes place indoors in a commercial kitchen. Gloves and masks are provided, for use during the syrup-making activity. Minors (<18 years) must be accompanied by a guardian – please note, we will be working with hot liquid during this workshop.
What to Bring: your notebook and pen, water bottle or tea mug. Please bring an apron, or a shirt that you don’t mind staining. Working with elderberries can be messy!
Practicum/CE Hours: This workshop provides two (2) Practicum (non-clinical) hours for students of herbalism, or two (2) CE hours for Registered Herbalists.

Metis Flower Medicine - Lii Bonn Michinn (Outdoor/Plantwalk)
2022-05-25 18:00 - 21:00 | AB
Lii Bonn Michinn Spring Plant Walk – Meet the Medicines in Flower at Nose Hill Park, Calgary. Following suite with other Lii Bonn Michinn workshops, this event is an intensive 3-hour teaching on the identification of, and traditional uses for, food and medicine plants available in the prairie/grassland ecosystem in May.
Workshop For: This workshop is designed for students of Lii Bonn Michinn, however anyone is welcome to attend. There will be gentle walking, up and down hill, about 2kms round-trip. Minors (<18 years) must be accompanied by a guardian.
What to Bring: your notebook and pen, water bottle, comfortable clothing to keep you safe for the weather, good walking shoes or boots if it’s raining.
Practicum/CE Hours: This workshop provides three (3) Practicum (non-clinical) hours for students of herbalism, or three (3) CE hours for Registered Herbalists.

Lii Bonn Michinn - Metis Medicine for Women/Those with a Uterus
2022-04-21 18:00 - 21:00 | AB
As late April moves into May, Alberta comes into Flower Season! Spring is officially here, and many of our aromatic plants are ripe for harvesting during this season, when the strongest medicine helps the plant to bloom.
This is an important time for “Womens’ Medicine”/ “Michinn dii Faam“, and of course for any person who owns a uterus – no matter how they identify. Everyone is welcome to this workshop, uterus or not. We will focus on the plants harvested in late April and early May, which provide some of our best traditional medicines. We will also celebrate the first full moon after the vernal equinox, the start of the Frog Moon.
What to Bring: Comfy cushion or blanket to sit on, notebook and pen, mug for tea, pinch of tobacco.
More info: Pre-registration is required. This workshop is for adults & youth over the age of 14; babes-in-arms are welcome to accompany their mothers. Masks will be mandatory during this teaching. To view our workshop policies, please visit this link.

Balsam Harvest and Medicine Making Festival
2022-03-12 13:00 - 16:00 | Leighton Art Centre, 282027 144 St W, Millarville, Alberta, T1S 0Y4, Canada
Venue: Leighton Art Centre

Everyone is welcome to join in a traditional day of sharing food, tea and medicine. Metis Herbalist Kalyn Kodiak leads the 6th annual Balsam Harvest Festival, a celebration of the first medicine of spring.

The sticky buds of the Balsam Poplar (Populus balsamifera) are the Medicine of Springtime. Used around the world to seal up wounds, they stop bleeding and relieve pain while preventing infection. The balsam tree really is Nature’s Bandage! This festival of trees is part herb-walk, part outdoor apothecary experience. We will steep our medicine over an open fire, from harvest to creation of a take-home medicine chest of balsam tree goodies, all in one afternoon.

Tea & bannock are provided – please bring your own mug, dress for the weather, and bring camp chairs or blankets for your comfort. Children under 18 must be supervised by an accompanying adult.

Metis Bear Medicine (Lii Bonn Michinn)
2022-02-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Metis Local 87, 1539 43 St SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2A1M3
Learn about the blended healing traditions of Metis people of Southern Alberta. Everyone is Welcome.
This segment of Lii Bonn Michinn includes bear teachings, animal medicine, and a little bit of tanning, fire-building and winter skills.
This event takes place outdoors around a fire. Dress warm and bring your tea mug, chairs and blankets. Some of the medicines we’ll be discussing and sampling include bear grease, spruce, poplar and juniper.
We’ve Changed Locations! Directions to the Event at Metis Local 87 Calgary: https://goo.gl/maps/7WUPqof2j8akdfLS6

Lii Bonn Michinn - Metis Traditional Medicine
2022-01-19 18:00 - 20:30 | Kodiak Herbal Apothecary, 2410 2 Avenue SE, Bay G, Calgary, AB, T2E 6J9, Canada
Learn about the blended healing traditions of Metis people, including plant medicine traditions, Right Relationships & Living in a Good Way. This is the 3rd lesson in a series, you may join at any time. We will learn from elder Cheryle Chagnon about the medicine wheel and 4 sacred medicines. This workshop is for everyone, regardless of cultural background.
This live teaching takes place at Kodiak Herbal Apothecary, Bay G 2410 2 Ave SE, Calgary.
What to Bring

Mask, Proof of vaccination
comfortable pillow or blanket to sit on (we sit on the floor in circle, with chairs available for those who need them)
water bottle, if desired
a small pouch of tobacco (you can acquire tobacco loose at any tobacco shop in your community)

View our Workshop & Experience Policies

Tree Medicine
2022-01-10 08:00 - 17:00 | AB
Right Here
