My Background - The Path to Sweetgrass

Over eight years ago, my journey with sweetgrass began on the misty coast of British Columbia, near Squamish. At that time, I was working as a land surveyor and engineer, which brought me to the beautiful coastal mountains and the serene estuary of Squamish. These roles allowed me to become intimately familiar with the land and its hidden treasures, including the sacred sweetgrass that I discovered during my explorations. The tranquility of the estuary and the connection to nature sparked something profound within me. As I collected and braided the sweetgrass, I felt a deep bond with the land and my ancestors, who had walked similar paths long before me. Each braid I crafted became more than just a product; it was a continuation of a tradition, a piece of living history woven with care and reverence.

My name is Benjamin Kager (Vachon), and I am from Constance Lake First Nation in Treaty 9 territory, northern Ontario. While my previous profession as a land surveyor and engineer was successful, it didn't bring me the fulfillment I was seeking. Returning to Ontario and embracing my heritage through Soulful Sweetgrass has been a deeply rewarding journey. I am a single full-time father to my beautiful daughter, Sadie, who is 12 years old. Sadie has recently started helping me with some of the sweetgrass work, and I look forward to passing this knowledge on to her. Together, we hope to nurture this labor of love and possibly grow it into a successful family business in the future. Today, every braid that leaves my hands carries the story of this journey—of discovery, connection, and the enduring spirit of my people. Soulful Sweetgrass is not just a business; it’s a living testament to the land, the culture, and the love that inspired it. As we continue to grow, I am excited to share this passion with you and watch this venture expand organically into something very special.

Miigwetch!

Soulful Sweetgrass

Handcrafted Heritage: Premium Sweetgrass Braids