Dionne Jennings has a mission as a Community Herbalist: connecting plants & people.
Growing up in the Ukrainian-Canadian diaspora in Treaty 6 Territory in Alberta, her Ukrainian heritage fueled her interest in Ukrainian/Slavic Folk Medicine as well as instilled a deep-seated passion for community engagement through traditional folk arts such as embroidery, song, and beading.
With a lifelong affinity for working with plants and flowers, Dionne began studying herbal medicine in the folk tradition over 20 years ago on Vancouver Island. Her commitment to herbalism led her to undertake a rigorous three-year supervised clinical apprenticeship in Alberta, culminating in 2015.
Intersecting with her botanical pursuits, Dionne is deeply invested in cultural history, fostering inclusive community connections, and dismantling barriers to cultural engagement.
A storyteller and communications professional, she is passionate about teaching, researching, and sharing cultural stories and experiences, while ensuring cultural practices are accessible and inclusive, so that age-old practices are carried on throughout diasporan communities and beyond.
She currently makes her home in Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB.
- Community Herbalist
- Folk Art Creator & Facilitator
- Communications Professional
- Creator & Instructor of Kitchen Medicine Apprenticeship with YEG Herbalist
- Creator & Facilitator of Edmonton Herb Club
- Former Workshop Instructor at Kolya Naturals Apothecary, Edmonton
- Former Communications Manager for Wild Rose College
- Passionate about Ukrainian Canadian Diasporan Healing & Folk Medicine
Dionne’s Favourite Herb: “Impossible to choose one. But I have so many that have supported in so many ways over the years: Reishi, Milky Oats, Rhodiola (fresh root, always), California Poppy, Skullcap, Yarrow, Agrimony, Shepherd’s Purse….and more.
My favourite “Ukrainian” herb: probably garlic, obviously. ;)”
Fun Fact: “When I travel, I love to stop at all the local oddball museums, historic sites and plaques, and wander through aaall of the graveyards (and ask my partner to pull over on the highway so I can look at plants…of course) :)”