October 15th -

The fragrance of sweetgrass fills my van from a visit to NK'MIP Desert and Heritage Centre operated by the Osoyoos First Nation. A thoughtful walk through this beautiful land leaves me with a sense of respect and appreciation for the earth and culture being restored here.

I found myself comparing this place with the Japanese Gardens in Lethbridge....both places of energy and spirit. The Gardens were balanced, beautiful, very well planned in the spirit of Zen. Here, the earth is being restored to it's original state with native plants. There is a sense here of ancient peoples living in harmony with the land rather than imposing something on to it. This intimate connection with the land, in contrast to "using" it, speaks powerfully to me.

When I think of "desert" I imagine the Sahara. Here, the desert is lush with vegetation - it's own special kind of vegetation - the kind that fits the environment and helps sustain life.

Antelope-Brush or "Greasewood" is not a type of sagebrush but is a member of the rose family. The Okanagan People used this rangy plant as a detoxifying cleanser. The branches were used to quickly make hot fires during winter camping trips.

The shrub is an important browse plant for deer and Bighorn Sheep. Chipmunks, Ground Squirrels and mice eat it's seeds.

(from an information plaque on the walk - hope I have a picture of the correct plant!)