In celebration of First Nations Public Library Week, join Joe Pitawanakwat, an Anishinaabe plant medicine teacher from Wiikwemkoong First Nation on Manitoulin Island in Ontario, for a session on plant identification, Indigenous gardens, plant and creature connections, and learn from the knowledge he shares that was passed down from his grandmother. 

Joseph Pitawanakwat (Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Territory, Manitoulin Island) is an educator who specializes in plant-based medicine. He is the Founder & Director of Creators Garden, a 365 days-a-year, Indigenous outdoor-education based business. Joseph focuses on plant identification, sustainable harvesting, and teaching linguistic, historical, cultural, edible, ecological and medicinal significance of plants native to his territory. Joseph’s academic success as a Master’s student in the Environmental Studies Department at York University has allowed him to blend Indigenous traditional and western knowledge which he imparts through charismatic and memorable public lectures.