Celebrating the Earth Every Day On April 22nd the world commemorated Earth Day, a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire people to take action and protect our planet. For Indigenous peoples around the globe, every day is an opportunity to celebrate our profound relationships with the land, air, water, plants and animals. This perspective is deeply rooted in ancestral wisdom and recognizes that the well-being of the earth, the home we all share, is interconnected with the well-being of all its inhabitants. Indigenous cultures have long understood the importance of living in harmony with nature, viewing it as a sacred entity deserving reverence and respect. Many Indigenous peoples are raised with the value of being stewards of the land, there is a responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations. At AHF we are guided by the teachings of traditional healers, elders and medicine people. Sacred medicines are often derived from plants and natural elements found in our environment. For example, sweetgrass is central in many ceremonies; it is often braided into bundles and burned to purify spaces, honour our ancestors, offer prayers and facilitate spiritual connection. Environmentalism is crucial not only for the preservation of biodiversity, but also for safeguarding the sacred and medicinal resources deeply intertwined with Indigenous cultures. By protecting natural habitats and promoting sustainable land management practices, we are not only ensuring the continued availability of these sacred plants but also honor the spiritual and holistic healing practices they bring. If you're interested in learning more about environmental protection and how Indigenous ways of knowing are shaping environmental solutions head on over to Climate Atlas of Canada, a website and interactive tool created to teach people about climate change in Canada. Photo from Donor Jim Mackey Solar Eclipse:  Chi Miigwech, Brooke Harrison Senior Marketing, Communications and Donor Relations Manager If you’re interested in nominating a community member to be spotlighted in an upcoming series titled “Community Corner: Highlighting Our Local Heroes” please send their story to Brooke Harrison at bharrison@aht.ca | 
