WHAT DO SALMON, LIP BALM, AND THE FUTURE ALL HAVE IN COMMON?

Aaniin! I’ve had a pretty exciting week between attending the “Being Salmon, Being Human” storytelling performance and First Nations House’s DIY Lip Balm event, the pilot to the Sustainability Series. Since beginning university, I’ve been a part of such incredible experiences by just putting myself out there. Even just for concerts, if I only know a couple of songs I’ll go out and by the end of the night I’m hooked on the rest of the album. It’s hard being a bit introverted, but it’s become a nice way to open myself to new experiences. I’ll admit that I wasn’t familiar with the book which the namesake of “Being Salmon, Being Human” performance, but just getting myself out there allowed me to learn so much. Dr. Martin Lee Mueller touched upon the salmon teachings of both the Sami and First Nations Peoples of Scandinavia and North America. Dr. Martin Lee Mueller was joined by Canadian dancer and storyteller Elisha MacMillan and Sami Joiker and composer Torgeir Vassvik. I find it hard to articulate the experience—it was so well done, and I found myself reflecting on my place with creation. Leaving our hometowns to brave the big world in university is not unlike the incredible journey of salmon, who like all of creation, have teachings to share with us. The dangerous realities faced by salmon populations calls us to do our part and live more sustainably. The performance was followed by a panel, in which Alan Colley of Toronto Aboriginal Eco Tours joined in as they discussed our relationship to the land and the teachings within the performance. Alan Colley shared with everyone cedar tea, wild rice, and smoked trout cream cheese and bannock, and I can't say enough how delicious it was! Led by Indigenous Student Life Coordinator, Kelsey Melanson,  the FNH DIY Lip Balm activity was so much fun! I’m constantly trying my best to find more ways to create less waste. I really want to do my part in making sure that we still have a world to give to our future generations. Did you know store-bought lip balms contain harmful agents like: parabens, petrolatum, propylparaben, synthetic colours, chemical sunscreens, BHA and BHT, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and ceresin. Products like various lip chaps have packaging that is too small to recycle, and ultimately end up creating more waste.

LIP BALM RECIPE

Recipe with Coconut Oil (Recommended)

• 1 tablespoon beeswax pellets and microwave for 30-45 seconds (be sure to use cosmetic grade).
• Add 1 tablespoon coconut oil and microwave for 30-45 seconds.
• Stir well when done, add 2-3 drops of essential oil (recommended mixes lemon & peppermint, lavender & peppermint, or orange & peppermint.

Recipe with Shea Butter

• 1 tablespoon of beeswax pellets and microwave for 30-45 seconds (be sure to use cosmetic grade).
• Add 1 tablespoon shea butter and microwave for 30-45 seconds.
• Stir well when done, add 2-3 drops of essential oil (recommended mixes lemon & peppermint, lavender & peppermint, or orange & peppermint.

*Skip the essential oils if you have sensitive skin or issues with scent. Be sure to check out First Nations House for more events in their Sustainability Series!