The Land Knows Me

Description

Through the Squamish language and cultural traditions, learn about Indigenous plant relationships and how we are all connected to nature through plant-based foods, medicines, and materials. 

The best way to learn about plants is through observing and interacting with living examples. Join Held by the Land author Leigh Joseph and her children in The Land Knows Me, an educational, hands-on journey to discover all the wonderful uses of the plants around us. Through the Squamish traditions, you’ll learn how to ground yourself on the land, introduce yourself in the Squamish language to the land and plants, and the many teachings about plants, cultural stories, and learnings related to the plants seen on our walk.

This essential and colorful introduction to Indigenous plant knowledge includes informative sidebars and reflection questions alongside 16 plant profiles, including: 
 

• Ḵwiĺayus (kw-ill-eye-os), Red-Flowering Currant, Ribes sanguineum
• Ḵ’emeláý (k-em-ill-eye), Bigleaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum
• Séliýaý (s-elle-ee-eye), Oregon Grape, Mahonia nervosa
• Xápaýay (hey-pie-eye), Western Red Cedar, Thuja plicata
• Ḵwe7úpaý (kw-oh-pa-eye), Pacific Crabapple, Malus fusca
• X̱ach’t (ha-ch-t), Fireweed, Chamaenerion angustifolium
• And more!

The Land Knows Me features detailed plant illustrations and kid-friendly botanical drawings, with plant names in both Squamish and English so children can learn a new language while discovering the many great uses for plants and the native history behind them. Nature reflection and mindfulness activities and basic recipes for plant-based foods like fireweed jelly and currant-infused honey offer even more opportunities for education and engagement around grounding oneself on the land.

Follow the stream, cross the field, and step into a forest full of rich, botanical diversity rooted in history and tradition.

Leigh Joseph is an ethnobotanist, researcher, and community activist whose aim is to contribute to cultural knowledge renewal in connection to Indigenous plant foods and medicines. As part of this mission, she founded Sḵwálwen Botanicals, an Indigenous business creating small-batch botanical skincare products based in British Columbia, Canada. Honoring traditional Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge, they incorporate wild-harvested plants and organic, high-quality ingredients. Leigh shares her Indigenous plant knowledge in written form in her book Held by the Land. She is a member of the Squamish Nation.