By Cynthia Franz, Artvocacy 2026 participant
If you’re anything like me, you have probably daydreamed about throwing your phone off a building. In 2026, the algorithms we’re constantly fed on our phones favour conflict and life online can leave you with the impression that people everywhere have their pitchforks out. For me, the 2-Eyed Seeing Land Ceremony was a perfect reminder of why it’s so important to connect offline with real people in nature.
A Scattered Morning
On May 16th, my thoughts were scattered. I’d spent the morning scrolling through news, stressing about traffic and trying to predict the day. I braced myself for boring small talk at the meeting location but was pleasantly surprised. I first met the cheerful volunteer for the event, Darcy, followed by the lovely co-hosts, Henri Michelle and Don Gayton and soon the room was filled. During our carpool ride, an elderly couple on their 14th Meadowlark excursion filled the jeep with quips and laughter, especially amused by our driver Kasey’s use of the word “boot” in place of “trunk”.
Into the Landscape
We arrived at the Meadowlark and began making our way into nature. The weather was teetering from sunny to rain, and ponderosa pine and antelope brush scattered the landscape. The excited chatter gradually gave way to peaceful silence and birdsong. The shift was a welcome change that carried us to an opening where we formed a circle. Henri went around the circle, smudging every person in the group. I closely copied the movements the people before me made, as this was my first time and I was unsure of what to do with my hands. He then sang and drummed a beautiful song and I was in awe of the inflection in his voice. Henri and Don both spoke about their backgrounds, their love for nature and Indigenous-settler relations. People were encouraged to share their perspectives and comments ranged from hopeful to heavy.
Time to create
When it came time to leave the circle for a creation period, I felt inspired and free of the internal chatter I had in the morning. I found a fallen tree to sit on facing an antelope brush accented with tiny pink flowers. I scribbled branches and petals until it was time to return to the circle. People shared their musings, writings, paintings and sketches. A birder had identified 20 different types of birds since our arrival, a comment that caused me to reflect on what other things I may miss routinely. Hesitantly, I shared my sketch but was glad that I did. After a bit more discussion, it was time to return.
Heading home
The group was in no rush to leave, and the walk back was much slower than the walk to. Another group member and I spotted a perfect bitterroot flower, and Don regaled us with information on the species. Once back, it was apparent that still many people did not want the event to end. Some reluctantly left, while others met at the nearby coffee shop to continue conversations.
My trip home was so different than my trip out. The worries I had going in were replaced by reflections and ponderings. I felt curious about the benefits of working with our local ecosystems instead of against them. In a world often characterized by disconnect, “touching grass” has become a prescription. I am very thankful to Henri and Don for putting this event together, their volunteers, and the group members who made the 2-Eyed Seeing Land Ceremony such a moving experience.
