By Jarrett Arsenault
The Pilot
BOYD’S COVE – On the beaten
path of the Beothuk Interpretation
Centre Provincial Historic Site,
Mi’kmaq Tyrone Mulrooney led
groups on a medicinal walk to
educate people on the many uses
of plants growing in Newfoundland.
The walks took place Aug. 18
and 19, and were co-ordinated by
site supervisor Karen LeDrew-
Day. With the positive feedback
from people who made the trek
through the trails with Mr. Mulrooney,
she said people can look
forward to the same experience
next year.
“This event was so well
received,” said Ms. LeDrew-Day.
“This is a new initiative that we
are very proud of. This program
connected the site with the
Beothuk of the past through
another First Nation’s eyes.”
On the walk, Mr. Mulrooney
stopped periodically to point out a
plant. His explanations followed
traditional uses, terms, and how
the modern Newfoundlander can
use each plant today.
Speckled alder
The shrub has brown flowers in
the spring, with green leaves that
have a white tint underneath, and
is useful to the future of surrounding
plants. The plant needs very
little nutrients to grow and
replenishes nitrogen naturally in
the soil. The backside of leaves on
a speckled alder can also be used
to wrap around a sprained ankle
to aid in the healing process.
Moss
Some ground growing mosses
were at one time used as diapers.
Most types of ground growing
moss can be used to keep fish
fresh after catching them.
Blueberry bushes
It’s an early harvest season for
blueberries and there are plenty
to go around. Blueberries are high in antioxidants, which can help
prevent cancer and other diseases.
Also, the leaves on the bush can be
made into a tea with the berries.
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