Author Leigh Joseph, an ethnobotanist, member of the Squamish Nation and founder of Skwalwen Botanicals, provides a beautifully illustrated essential introduction to Indigenous plant knowledge.
Held by the Land invites us to explore our natural surroundings and renew our connection to the land. With lyrical, meditative prose, ethnobotanist Leigh Joseph advocates for a way of living that develops and builds relationships with the plant life around us, viewing ourselves as part of the ecosystem rather than outside, imposing our whims upon it. Her approach, informed by her cultural heritage as a member of the Squamish First Nation, calls upon reclaiming ancestral knowledge and practices that were impacted by centuries of colonization and rejuvenating them for future generations.
The book also acts as a field guide to plants that were, and remain, vital to the Indigenous communities that are from the territories in the area now known as the Pacific Northwest. You will learn how to:
- Identify forty-four culturally significant plants
- Harvest plants safely and successfully, or grow them on your own
- Set up your very own home apothecary
- Utilize plants in both topical and culinary recipes, such as facial steams, bath soaks, desserts, and more
- About the Author
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Leigh Joseph (ancestral name Styawat), is an ethnobotanist, researcher and entrepreneur from the Squamish First Nation in British Columbia, Canada. She contributes to cultural knowledge renewal in connection to Indigenous plant and land-based relationships and contributes an Indigenous lens to her field of study.
As founder of the plant-based skincare brand Sḵwálwen Botanicals, Leigh brings together Indigenous science and self care, providing gentle and effective skincare products that draw from the ceremonial aspects of plants. Incorporating sustainably harvested and sourced botanicals, Sḵwálwen unites ancestral traditions with modern beauty rituals, empowering people to connect to themselves and the natural world.
Through its philanthropic partnerships, Sḵwálwen elevates Indigenous communities and shines a light on the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples.
