2020 Undergraduate Ethnobiologist Award winner: Rosslyn Mackay

For me, ethnobiology is an ancient knowledge system that is held by Indigenous cultures. I think it is so much more than a study of culture, plants, and animals—it is the holistic embodiment of all of these elements. It believes in the spirit, legends, rituals, and the mysteries in life that are often unexplained. Awakening our consciousness with child-like eyes, the study of ethnobiology can teach us stewardship and respect for our Earth’s communities. By observing nature with curiosity and reciprocity, we co-create, not exploit.

I became interested in ethnobiology after my trip to Peru in 2012. I didn’t know what ethnobiology was at the time. However, as it turns out, it is a genuine interest of mine. While living in the Amazon jungle, I kept well-documented notes on which plants grew locally and their holistic properties. It was at this time that I met Indigenous healers who helped me on my healing journey. With their imparted ancient wisdom, I learned first-hand how to heal my mind, body, and spirit by nature. When I returned home to Nova Scotia, I changed my focus from art therapy and took a deeper dive into my passion for healing with the natural world.

I felt floored and very excited all at the same time! Also, I felt incredibly grateful to have had Dr. Janelle Marie Baker as a mentor. With her encouragement, I attended the Society of Ethnobiology’s conference in Vancouver last year. I connected with other inspiring students and professionals who made me feel part of a community that I’ve always looked for in the academic world. Thank you, Janelle!

I first became interested in ANTH491: Traditional Biological Knowledge at AU because I couldn’t believe there was a course like this in academia! I hope my enthusiasm shines through here. It was a course that I needed to find at the time as it helped nurture my interest in traditional Indigenous knowledge and ethnomedicines. It’s an incredible experience to learn from the accomplished Dr. Leslie Johnson. Also, I chose to take ANTH390: Community Based Research Methods with Dr. Janelle Marie Baker to learn how to conduct authentic and transparent community-based research. It’s so crucial to conduct research that does not harm, adversely impact or perpetuate past injustices on bio-cultural heritage. Dr. Janelle Marie Baker’s course aided my research process to help develop mutually beneficial, and respectful relationships with communities and in the field of ethnobiology.

Both ANTH390 and ANTH 490 courses facilitated research from a Canadian Indigenous perspective. It’s a privilege to learn from Indigenous healers and about their ethnomedicines in places far from home. They helped me to remember why it is so rewarding to get back to our roots! After taking ANTH 390 & 430, I wanted to connect with the local community more and more. I dug deeper into my ancient Celtic ancestry and connection to the wild landscape. My research includes traditional wild foods, ethnomedicines of the Rosaceae family, and industrial rose production impacts in Latin America. I appreciate how both courses teach humanity’s holistic interconnectedness within all of the ecosystems of Earth, and a code of ethics that I will always keep in my back pocket.