Native Plants, Native People; Healing Together

The atrocities against the First Nations People of North America are not in the past. They continue today in many ways causing continued pain, suffering and premature death.  

One community is Aamjiwnaang (Ohm-jih-nawn) First Nation, located near Sarnia, ON, Canada. Over several decades, successive Canadian governments have given approval to build several petrochemical refinery plants. Now, the small region in which Aamjiwnaang is located, continues to be poisoned by these nearby plants and other extensive industrial developments, which all together are called, 'Chemical Valley.'

Being completely surrounded by 'Chemical Valley,' Aamjiwnaang's residents have among the highest cancer rates in North America. Boy babies die in utero at such a high rates that Aamjiwnaang is the only place in the world where the birth ratio is 2:1 in favour of girls. Smelter-borne pollution has contaminated the soil, the water and of course the air.  A beautiful stream flows through the community; very few even dare to put even as much as a toe in the water.

Many Traditional and western medicine styles of healing are under way and required and yet more is urgently needed to turn the tide facing this community.  

The Global Institute of Forest Therapy (GIFT a.k.a. CANFT) is donating $250 or 1% of its proceeds from its first official Forest Therapy Training Course. We have created this Go Fund Me Campaign to add an additional $1,000 (or more) which will all go directly to Aamjiwnaang Maajiigin Gumig, the Community Native Plant Nursery.

Native plants are a big part of the solution. They are known purifiers of contaminated air, water and soil. Funds donated and raised will help purchase more seeds, containers and other infrastructure needed to help heal the surrounding landscape and assist in the recovery of the health of the residents of this First Nation. 

Any amount is welcomed. Your donation will be critical helping a community and individuals in need of health recovery, environmental restoration and economic growth in an appropriate manner. 

We would like the funds as soon as possible for Aamjiwnaang Maajiigin Gumig, in order to plan for expansion of the operations this coming spring 2019. Nursery staff (shown below) are working really hard to create a healthier environment in which to live.  

Other ways you can help is by being sensitive to issues surrounding indigenous culture and Native communities. By learning about the history of the poor treatment and colonization of Native Peoples we can begin to move forward by taking practical, helpful steps of reconciliation.

You can also plant trees, shrubs and other native plants in other areas - it all helps to restore nature, to clean our air, water and soil,  and to help recover species at risk, while reducing diseases and sicknesses among humans. 


With much gratitude we thank you for your attention and if you are able, your donation!