This fall during winter prep, I went on a search for cranberries.

Over the past few years, I have noticed the changes in Wild Harvest and found even fewer. Last year, I took a four wheeler around lake, walked shore line, nothing. This year, I decided to try the canoe, to cover more land in a day. First couple days, unsuccessful, it was truly heart breaking.

The next day, when we unloaded the canoe, I saw an elderly man walking on the shore line. I stopped to talk to him, as he is out on the land daily. I asked him, “Aanii, How was your walk? Aapji Mno giizhgat na? (It's a very beautiful day)?” He responds, "It really is beautiful, not feeling like fall yet. I walked the shore all afternoon and only found handful of berries. Are you going to look for berries?" I said, "I've been out a few days looking and nothing!" He tells me, “Water is low, marshes are not getting flooding needed to produce, since controlling of creek in city. New species of vegetation moving in place of berries, which prevents production and survival.” I am in disbelief, "I had no idea, I will reach out to the committee involved. It's time to let them know that this issue affects our daily lives. Do you recommend where to try harvest?” He then replies, " You should go straight across the lake, once you see marsh, that is where to look. Let me know if you do find berries.” I responded, “Yes, I will bring you berries, I will not stop searching. If in agreement to discuss the concerns, I will also keep in touch with the latest news about the Creek Committee. Integration and collaboration imperative, for healing of water and land, with regeneration and clean up.”

As we parted ways, the purpose seemed so much bigger than I knew. Heavy thoughts, can I help generations to come? Can I teach them our traditional ways, if there’s no relationship with land? I have been advocating to have this water cleansed of mine pollution, and now I must defend the land along the water ways. Heartbreak, I feel every day, this search keeps me grounded with a true purpose.

Off we go, on the lake, paddling the powerful waters, praying for help. Joy overcomes as I saw colours of autumn, full blast reds, yellows, and oranges. When I swept across the glass-like autumn reflections on the water, I heard the sounds of birds. In order to feel the connection with Mother Earth, I spend time in nature. No distractions, only goals. With the marsh in view, I knew we were close. When we got the canoe to shore, I was hesitant to look around. Stepping out of boat, it feels almost debilitating, prayers continue as I start to walk down shore. I'm still not seeing anything and it feels like my worst nightmare. After the walk down shore, I decided to take a break and walk back up. Maybe if I make some pictures, I will feel better. When I escaped into the lens of creativity, the anxiety and hurt subsided. Making pictures from different angles and all of a sudden, I see red! When I look closely, it's not the berries, the search continues. I decided to sit down and enjoy the calming nature. I sit and pray, looking around, I see another glimmer of red. Can it be?! I walk around log to the other side of peninsulas, sure enough, I see more and more red. Finally, success! The Berries are visible, but the marsh is dry, and that is concerning. A rush of many overwhelming feelings, but perseverance wins. After hours of picking, sun’s setting, time to head back to the main land.

Returning home, there is only heartfelt joy. Creator has answered my prayers, I can provide again, for family and community. With mixtures of heartache and joy, it goes to show how important sharing journey is. The knowledge keepers and elders have passed down the bloodline of ancestors, it becomes natural for us. Finding and sharing history of the land is key to survival. The Land and water are saveable, we can help this cause now. Gchi Miigwech Gzhemnidoo kiin kina gego ezhitooyen.- Thank You very much Great Spirit, for everything you create.