Join us with the SFU SVSPO to make herbal balms and zines in hands-on workshop on consent, care reciprocity with the land!

About the event

 Everyday products often contain harmful or toxic ingredients, but caring for ourselves and the land doesn’t have to. Embark is excited to be joined by the SFU SVSPO for a climate workshop exploring reciprocal and sustainable relationships with the land by weaving embodied practices with reflective practices. Together, we’ll:

• Learn how to harvest plants respectfully and understand their medicinal properties
• Create soothing salves and balms with calendula and lavender oils
• Reflect on ideas of reciprocity, care, and “consent beyond humans” through a guided zine-making activity

This workshop is more than just a DIY session—it’s a chance to slow down, listen, and connect. Participants will learn what it means to nurture sustainable, reciprocal relationships with the land and with each other.

Land ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This event takes place on the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səlil̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and kʷikʷəƛw̓əm (Kwikwetlem) Nations.

ABOUT THE FACILITATORS

Pablo Vimos (he/him)
Pablo is a dedicated garden educator whose work cultivates both green spaces and young minds. With a focus on teaching children and youth how to grow food, care for garden beds, and create habitats that support local wildlife, Pablo brings ecological learning to life. Since 2015, he has served as the Garden Manager for Embark Sustainability, where he leads hands-on gardening programs for students at Simon Fraser University, grows fresh produce for Embark’s community kitchen, and oversees a range of community-driven initiatives. Passionate about sharing his expertise, Pablo finds joy in helping others take their first steps into the world of gardening.

Paola Quirós-Cruz (they/them)
Paola is the Educator with the SVSPO and the 2024 recipient of the national Courage to Act Campus Educator Award. They coordinate and facilitate education and outreach initiatives for SFU and FIC undergraduate and graduate students. Their commitment as an Educator is to center the voices of historically marginalized groups, create reflective educational experiences through an intersectional lens, and find creative strategies to foster communities of care.

Event Accessibility

Embark Sustainability events are free and open to Embark members which includes Simon Fraser University undergraduate and graduate students, as well as Embark Associate Members.

This event will be held outdoors at the SUB Learning Gardens, on the 3000 level (third floor) roof deck of the Student Union Building (SUB), SFU Burnaby. Please review the following accessibility details:

• Please dress appropriately for the weather. In the event of rain or other poor weather conditions, the event will be held indoors at the Embark Studio, room #1310 of the SUB (participants will be notified in advance).
• Attendees are free to opt in and opt out of activities as suits their needs throughout the event, including exiting and re-entering the event space.
• The event space is wheelchair accessible
• All-gender and wheelchair-accessible restrooms are located on the 1st floor inside the SUB.
• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide ASL interpretation at this time.

Please note: The workshop will include lavender, calendula, and beeswax as part of the activities and materials. We ask that those with allergies or sensitivities to any of these substances to inform us as soon as possible and take any other necessary precautions.

We strive to make our events accessible to as many of our community members as possible. If you have accessibility needs you’d like to share, please contact our Director of Engagement at engagement@embarksustainability.org.

Health & Safety

Participants who register are agreeing to release Embark Sustainability Society from any liability related to COVID-19. Masks are optional but encouraged.

Community Agreement

By registering to attend this event, you are agreeing to be respectful when listening to and communicating with others, and be mindful of the space you are taking up amongst your peers.

Embark Sustainability does not tolerate violence or aggression against others on the basis of race, ethnicity, place of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, or ability. Please also refer to people using the introductions they provide and do not assume pronouns/gender/knowledge based on someone’s name or appearance.

If these agreements are broken by someone, we will have to ensure the safety of our community members by removing them from the event.

Questions

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Embark Sustainability’s Director of Engagement at engagement@embarksustainability.org.