For those interested in learning more about useful products from the forest, two fun and informative workshops were held in Chu Chua in the Simpcw First Nation administrative office on Oct. 1 and 2.
The first workshop on Saturday was Non-Timber Forest Products and the Healing Forest, facilitated by Tim Brigham of Royal Roads University’s Center for Livelihoods and Ecology, and Clearwater herbal specialist Sharon Neufeld. The workshop explained about non-timber forest products in the local forest with a focus on healing plants, and participants learned how to make their own salves and lip balms with these plants.
The following day, Oct. 2, a workshop on Wreath Making was facilitated by Betty and Ken Foote of Barriere. Participants in this workshop used local boughs, greens and cones to create beautiful wreathes and other decorative products. The Footes said the purpose of the workshop was to help the participants learn the complete process for wreath production, from sustainable harvesting through to potential sale opportunities.
Sponsorship for the workshops came from Wells Gray Community Forest Corporation.