Jokom “the base of a tree”
There are many breathtaking sights along the eastern shores of Unama’ki (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia). Some would say it’s the horizon on the ocean waters; the early sunrise and the abundance of trees lining the coast make this place feel magical. To others, the stories of the land passed on by their relatives make the land come to life.
The Mi’kmaq have been caretakers of these stories and the eastern lands since ancestral times. Mi’kmaq people have lived a life enriched in the teachings of the land and rely on these stories to share the importance of our relationship with Mother Earth.
Through intentions and symbolism, a story about the trees weaves into Jokom Kreation’s first fine art and apparel collection. Today, I will share that story with you.
Imagine you find yourself suddenly surrounded by nature.
It’s a refreshing autumn day, and you’re in the presence of all living things: the animals, the plants, the insects, the water, and of course, the trees. The sun is shining, and you can feel the ocean breeze upon your face. Thanks to your newly knitted toque, your ears are warm from the cool crisp air. In gratitude, you slowly look up towards the treetops and notice the changes in the leaves; you know it’s a sign that Mother Earth is preparing for winter. Knowing this, you take a deep breath in through your nose, and as you exhale, you feel your whole body instantly relax.
As you’re embracing this sense of calm, you remember that you’re waiting for someone to arrive. A guide from a nearby community will be leading you on your hike through the forest. When the guide comes, she introduces herself as a helper to the land and the Creator: the one who created all living things. She is well known in the community for her knowledge of the trees and her caring nature. The guide explains the journey that lies ahead and reminds you that the hike will be physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually demanding.
As you begin your walk on the neatly packed soil, it’s easy to see this path is often visited. It’s almost as if someone has laid out the red carpet awaiting your arrival. You’re keeping a good pace, and every step you have taken so far has been well-executed. The guide reminds you that you’re on your way to a life-changing view and acknowledges the effort you have made so far. She then recommends stopping for a break to get some water. Gladly, you find a tree stump to sit on just off the path and continue to admire Mother Nature’s beauty. You observe the smallest details in the leaves and the gentle sounds of the wind.
The guide politely grabs your attention and takes a few moments to share a story about the trees passed on to her by her grandmother, as she can see the love and respect you have for the land. She points at the base of two trees that have grown side-by-side. The trees have different names but have grown so close that their trunks begin to intertwine as though they were embracing and supporting each other up. She continues to tell you all of the trees in the forest stay connected through their roots and hold the Earth together. You learn that the trees help each other grow and don’t tear each other down for having different bark or leaves. Instead, they accept diversity as a strength and embrace their unique gifts. As a result, they are stronger together.
The guide referred to the trees as “our relatives” and said they were our equals. She acknowledged that the trees give us shelter, nutrients, and oxygen. As such, we need to show them respect and kindness.
After thanking the guide for sharing, you stood up and continued your journey. You couldn’t help but look at the world differently now. You were no longer simply on a hike – you were walking among your family.
The knitting technique used to create the Jokom Toque represents the intertwining of the base of the trees told in this story. The trees have come to symbolize the beauty and strength of diversity and teach us to care for one another. The Jokom Collection carries this story in its fibres, and by purchasing the Jokom Toque, you are now a part of this story.
We invite you to take a photo wearing your toque, tag @JokomKreations, and help #ShareNaturesStory!
Written and narrated by Kendra Barberstock
Music and edits by Brandon Barberstock
Acknowledgement: While this story is based off of a personal experience, Kendra Barberstock would like to acknowledge all of the Elders, knowledge sharer’s, and land caretakers who have passed on their stories to the Mi’kmaw communities and beyond. She would also like to give a special thanks to Clifford Paul for sharing his knowledge of the trees and the land that have been passed on to him; some of which are echoed in this story.
Wela’lioq