What does Kinnikinnick mean?
“Kinnikinnick [kin-i-kuh-nik], also known as Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), is native to British Columbia and is very common throughout the province. It is a hardy, trailing, evergreen ground covering shrub that thrives is dry, sunny, rocky areas from the coast to subalpine zone. It has dark green leaves. Its bright red berries look like miniature apples and have a large hardy seed. Kinnikinnick blooms in early May and June and produces berries that stay on the plant throughout the winter. Birds and bears eat this fruit, as many other plants have stopped producing fruit. It sometimes has growing and rooting stems that can form connections a few meters in length, and sprout up new plants. Grouse, moose, and sheep eat the leaves of this plant. It is used by First Nations peoples as a smoking mixture, a source of food, and for medicinal purposes. Its Algonquin name means "smoking mixture," referring to its use with tobacco to carry prayers.”