In The Works
Educational resource library development
The Xaayda Wellness Society Educational Resource Library is being developed as a living collection of knowledge focused on Indigenous food sovereignty, traditional harvesting practices, plant medicines, sustainable agriculture, and cultural wellness. The library will bring together educational materials, field guides, videos, photographs, seasonal harvesting information, workshop resources, and community stories to support lifelong learning and the preservation of traditional knowledge. Designed to grow over time, this resource will serve community members, youth, educators, and future generations seeking to strengthen their connection to the land, traditional foods, and cultural practices.
Devils Club Conservation
Devil's Club is one of the most culturally and medicinally significant plants in our region, yet many local populations face increasing pressure from development, habitat disturbance, and environmental change. Through our conservation efforts, Xaayda Wellness Society is working to identify, protect, propagate, and transplant Devil's Club in suitable habitats while documenting traditional knowledge surrounding its stewardship and use. By combining Indigenous knowledge, environmental stewardship, and community education, we aim to ensure this important plant remains available for future generations while fostering a deeper understanding of respectful harvesting practices and ecosystem health.
Wheel of the year gardening and harvesting Calender
The Xaayda Wellness Society Wheel of the Year Gardening & Harvesting Calendar is a seasonal guide rooted in the natural rhythms of Haida Gwaii and Indigenous land-based practices. Designed to support gardeners, harvesters, and families throughout the year, the calendar highlights key planting, harvesting, seed-saving, preservation, and stewardship activities aligned with the changing seasons. By blending traditional ecological knowledge with practical food-growing and harvesting guidance, this resource helps strengthen community food security, reconnect people with the land, and preserve seasonal teachings for future generations.
Plant Identification Catalogue
The Xaayda Wellness Society Plant Identification Catalogue is a growing educational resource designed to document and celebrate the diverse plants found throughout Haida Gwaii and surrounding territories. Featuring photographs, identification characteristics, traditional and contemporary uses, harvesting guidelines, ecological information, and cultural teachings where appropriate, the catalogue supports safe plant identification and responsible stewardship. This resource aims to help community members, students, and future generations deepen their understanding of local plant species while fostering respect for Indigenous knowledge, conservation, and sustainable harvesting practices.
Empowerment and the roadmap to sustainability
At Xaayda Wellness Society, we believe that knowledge becomes most powerful when it is lived, shared, and practiced. Through hands-on learning, cultural teachings, harvesting, gardening, food preservation, and traditional wellness practices, we empower individuals and families to reconnect with the skills that have sustained our communities for generations. By strengthening confidence, self-sufficiency, and cultural understanding, we help create healthier people, stronger communities, and a deeper connection to the land, food, and traditions that continue to guide us today.
Harvesting with confidence
We hope to increase the number of community members who feel confident identifying, harvesting, preserving, and utilizing traditional foods and medicines through hands-on learning opportunities and mentorship. By sharing practical skills alongside cultural teachings, we aim to build a stronger, more knowledgeable community that feels empowered to actively participate in land-based practices and food sovereignty.