About The Project

This project was launched at the cross road of us artists’ urge to directly implement creative actions on the ground, and land stewards’ interests in mobilizing arts for raising awareness. The ongoing impact of invasive species overtaking many beneficial native plants is alarming, as it makes the land much more vulnerable to climate disaster and cultural loss. Having learned from Snuneymuxw Elders and knowledge-keepers about the significance of medicinal plants, we feel urgency in being responsible settler allies to protect the endangered ecosystem while anchoring art. Our goal is to empower artists and participants through knowledge-sharing about both invasive and native plants, hands-on experience of bringing improved balance to the land, and collaborative art action for climate resiliency.

In 2026, we aim to revive the spirit of the project in a new way to broaden the creative conservation, deepen sustainable understanding of the local ecology, and strive for long-term change: We bring creative awareness and action to local salmon habitats and vegetation in symbiotic relationships.

South End Ecological Development (SEED) in support of Snuneymuxw Nation is initiating a new Food Forest in an ecologically sensitive Cat Stream area. We are bringing artists, Elders, and biologists to collaborate in establishing the community garden that is honouring the Coast Salish food forest tradition of nurturing Native food plants while integrating non-invasive modern food plants that can grow in harmony with the local ecology and amplify food security in our culturally diverse community.

While we are working on the foundation for this growing initiative, we are continuing our efforts, removing invasives in two neighborhoods, Cat stream area and Bowen Park/ Millstone River area. Our 2026 Earth Day celebration will take place in the Bowen Park Amphitheatre and surrounding areas, bringing artists and community members together to collaborate. This year, newcomers will also be an important and strong part of the larger net we are weaving as a collective. The wisdom of the land and Elders teach us that this work takes time, and we learn that we need more people to join in, and of course, the more diverse the hands are the better.

2024 Pulling To Gather in the Media