During a conversation in Saik’uz territory, the topic of bee stings came up, and an Elder shared a simple but powerful remedy: “Just apply a little mud directly to the sting.” This remedy led to a deeper conversation about Indigenous ways of living by the land.
We had the honour of speaking with Rodney Teed, an Elder from Saik’uz First Nation, who shared his passion for passing knowledge on to future generations and the ways he carries those teachings forward.
Can you tell us about yourself and what you do?
My name is Rodney Teed, and my family has lived in Saik’uz for generations. Right now, I work as a Councillor for my Nation. I help oversee local business on the reserve and support matters at the provincial and federal levels. I also work with industries that want to operate within our territory.
Why is it important for Indigenous people to live by the land?
Being Indigenous is about much more than having a status card. Our culture teaches us how to care for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
I want the next generation to understand those teachings and know what to do in different situations.
I’ve spent my life learning from my parents and grandparents. When I’m out on the land, things come back to me. The sights, sounds, and smells remind me of what they taught me about the plants, medicines, and ways of staying healthy. You don’t always learn those things from a book. You learn them by being on the land and using your senses.
How do you keep those teachings alive within your family and community?
I take my grandchildren fishing, berry picking, camping, and out on the territory. When they’re there, they’re learning, even if they don’t realize it. They’re seeing, hearing, and experiencing things for themselves. Later in life, they’ll remember those experiences. They might think, “Grandpa taught me about that.” Those lessons stay with you because they’re connected to a place and a memory.
A lot of young people want to come out on the river with me and my younger brother. They might think they’re just going swimming or spending time on the land, but those outings create opportunities to share teachings. When we see a medicinal plant or something important, we point it out and explain its purpose. The best way to learn is by being there and experiencing it firsthand.
What is one teaching from your Elders that has stayed with you?
One lesson I remember came from my grandmother. When I was about 20, I had a job and was focused on work and other activities. My grandparents still expected me to visit and help them with traditional work like cleaning nets and preparing food.
I asked my grandmother why it was so important. She told me, “If you have nothing, this will always give you something.” That lesson stayed with me. If times get hard and you can’t rely on a job or a store, the land can still provide. Knowing how to fish, hunt, gather, and preserve food is valuable knowledge.
Are there practical teachings about the land and traditional medicines that you would like people to know?
When berries are in season, learn how to preserve them. Soapberries, for example, can be stored for the winter and have strong medicinal properties for upset stomachs. Even the green berries can be very powerful.
There are also medicines all around us. If you get a cut and see red willow, you can chew the bark and apply it to help stop the bleeding. Those are the kinds of teachings that have been passed down through generations.
Why is spending time on the land an important part of learning?
The land helps us remember. When I go back to places where I spent time with my parents, grandparents, or my brother, those memories return. I remember the lessons they taught me and the experiences we shared.
That’s why being out on the land is so important. It’s not just about learning skills. It’s about connecting with who you are, where you come from, and the knowledge that’s been passed down through generations.
