FEATURED AUTHOR
MIKAELA CANNON
Originally from Sweden , Mikaela Cannon travelled and studied extensively in her quest for knowledge about plants . As a child she was fascinated with plants – she looked at plantains and saw band aids , only later discovering that the plant has strong wound-healing properties . In Sweden , she trained as a wilderness guide and lived in a tipi , studying the Sami culture and way of life . On canoe trips in the wilderness , she sought out local flora and learned how to use plants for food , medicine , and material .
From Sweden , she travelled to Australia where she developed her interest in ethnobotany . Working in an animal park she taught visitors to lick green ants for the taste of sour candy ! At the park she met her ( now ) husband Peter , later moving with him to his home in Canada around 15 years ago and settling in Spallumcheen . She studied ethnobotany and biology in the Okanagan and explored herbal medicine and anthropology . Her deep appreciation for the land is guided by first nations and Indigenous traditional teachings and she strives to be a good guest on Turtle Island .
Her book – Foraging as a Way of Life – written over 9 years while homeschooling her two young children , is a comprehensive foraging guide to the trees , shrubs , flowers , herbs and mushrooms that grow in British Columbia , many of which can also be found around the world . The book is carefully arranged by season , beginning in the spring as the first plants bloom into life . With a family connection to Fernie , her book is an excellent guide to local plants with extensive descriptions , medicinal information , recipes , warnings and colour photos . The book is available from Polar Peek Books and online .
Forestfables . ca / foragingasawayoflife
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