Braiding Sweetgrass

by generations is at risk, the Pigeons work to protect both trees and
the tradition. They are partnering with forest scientists to resist the
insect and to adapt to its aftermath. There are reweavers among
us.
John and his family are not alone in their efforts to protect the
black ash. At Akwesasne, a Mohawk reserve that straddles the
border between New York State and Canada, black ash has yet
more guardians. Over the past three decades, Les Benedict,
Richard David, and Mike Bridgen have led an effort to bring
traditional ecological knowledge as well as scientific tools to bear in
the protection of black ash. They have grown thousands of black
ash seedlings to give away to indigenous communities throughout
the region. Les even convinced the New York State Tree Nursery to
grow them for planting in places ranging from school yards to
Superfund sites. Thousands had already been planted in resurgent
forests, in resurgent communities, just as the ash borer appeared
on our shores.
As the threat wings its way closer to their homelands every fall,
Les and his colleagues gather the willing to collect the best seeds
they can find, storing seed to keep faith with the future, to replant
the forest after the wave of invasion has passed. Every species
needs its Les Benedict, its Pigeon family, its allies and protectors.
Many of our traditional teachings recognize that certain species are
our helpers and guides. The Original Instructions remind us that we
must return the favor. It is an honor to be the guardian of another
species—an honor within each person’s reach that we too often
forget. A Black Ash basket is a gift that reminds us of the gifts of
other beings, gifts we can gratefully return through advocacy and
care.