Bearberry (bird’s eye)
Gwichya Gwich'in Name:
dzhii ndèe’
Teetł’it Gwich’in Name::
shih jak
Latin Name:
Arctostaphylos rubra
Uses:
As food
The edible berries of this low-growing plant are similar to red currants. The red, shiny berries are juicy but sour. Ruth Welsh and Mary Kendi say if you do not have any water these berries and cranberries will quench your thirst. Alfred Semple recommends adding these berries to pemmican (caribou or moose meatballs).
Source: Andre, Alestine and Alan Fehr, Gwich'in Ethnobotany, 2nd ed. (2002)
