The Saskatoon Berry also known as the Service Berry or Salmon Berry represents the generosity of the earth, a gift shared that when received with gratitude generates so much life.
The Cedar Waxwing and Swainson’s Thrush are both local Okanagan birds known for their love of Saskatoons. The Waxwing is also known for passing the berries from beak to beak with other Waxwings. Here it passes a berry to the little boy on his dad’s shoulders.
The other bird is the Swainson’s Thrush or Salmonberry Bird. A bird known for their beautiful song. As these birds enjoy the berries they share their song and help spread the seeds, giving back more than they take.
Dad takes his young son into the woods to not only harvest the berries but to point out the birds, to see the generosity in the earth, to be grateful for it all, and play a part in giving back.
These berries represent how reciprocal generosity nurtures thriving. We just need to take the time to see it and respond to the gift of it all. When we see the place and people around us as a gift we treat them differently. We become answerable to them.
Real health is harmony with the world.
- Created for Common Good Pharmacy, 2026.
