Section 3: “Picking Sweetgrass” Week 1

“Picking Sweetgrass” focuses on the practice of harvesting sweetgrass, a plant deeply tied to Indigenous culture and ecological wisdom. Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author, reflects on the traditional knowledge passed down by her ancestors regarding how to harvest plants in a way that honors them.

Robin emphasizes the importance of reciprocity with the natural world, highlighting the concept that when humans take from the land, they should give back, creating a relationship of mutual respect and care. Kimmerer describes the process of picking sweetgrass as a spiritual and physical act, where the plant is gently harvested by cutting a portion of the plant while leaving enough to regenerate. This sustainable practice ensures that the sweetgrass will continue to grow for future generations.

Through this act, Kimmerer explores themes of gratitude, responsibility, and interconnectedness. She contrasts this Indigenous way of interacting with nature against the more exploitative practices of Western capitalism, suggesting that the former is rooted in respect, balance, and care for the environment, while the latter often takes without giving back.

Ultimately, this section of the book is a meditation on how humans can live more harmoniously with the Earth by following principles of sustainability, reciprocity, and respect.

Here are the essays/teachings under Section 3: Picking Sweetgrass:

• Epiphany in the Beans (pg. 121)
• The Three Sisters (pg. 128)
• Wisgaak Gokpenagen: A Black Ash Basket (pg. 141)
• Mishkos Kenomagwen: The Teachings of Grass (pg. 156)
• Maple Nation: A Citizenship Guide (pg. 167)
• The Honorable Harvest (pg. 175)