Conscious harvesting, respect for the land, natural recipes, discovering the spiritual connection between First Nations and the land… Leg Joseph, ethnobotanist and member of the Squamish Nation, publishes a guide to culturally significant native plants on the Pacific Coast. An almost poetic immersion in the plant world of this western nation.
As a child, Lee Joseph spent hours picking herbs and plants in his uncle and great-grandmother’s garden. A unique and strong bond was then formed between her and the Earth.
I felt safe, loved and at ease. These memories are very important to me. In my early 20s, I worked as an outdoor guide and realized I wanted to spend time on the land and outdoors.
She remembers.
Today, Lee Joseph holds a PhD in Ethnobotany from the University of Victoria. What guided her to write this book was her desire to share her knowledge of plants, but from a Squamish perspective.
Each plant is named in English, but also in Squamish.
Photo: Radio-Canada / Delphine Jung
His illustrated book presents an array of plants and trees that are a source of healing and food for the indigenous peoples of the West Coast. Each of these plants is meticulously illustrated throughout the pages and accompanied by advice for building your own medicinal collection.
It goes beyond the simple use of plants
explains in an interview.
Working with my community, their guides and their teachers is critical to truly understand the cultural dimension of being in relationship with the land and plants.
Conducted by land (English only) is a way to pay tribute to this mother and entrepreneur, whose family is marked by the trauma of residential schools for Aboriginal people.
Spruce is one of the trees featured in Lee Joseph’s book. (archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada
Includes tips on how to harvest mindfully and connect with the earth, recipes for infused oils and salves, and a botanical glossary. The book comes with a deck of 45 cards presenting native plants and their characteristics.
In a bag, a basket or the kitchen, Lee Joseph dreams of his book becoming a companion for all nature lovers.
However, making these secrets accessible to everyone carries risks. How do we make sure some malicious person doesn’t abuse it and go on a frenzy of harvesting?
Lee Joseph certainly thought about it.
It is important to keep this in mind. We have a responsibility when we publish books. I thought about what I was going to share and what I was going to say. These questions were part of the whole process
Her details indicate that she had these discussions with her Others have internal knowledge about what information to share and how to share it
.
The lingonberry grows in many northern regions. (archive photo)
Photo: Airelles des Frères
The author also recalls that at the beginning of the book, not to stress the wild plants, how to grow these plants yourself, to avoid usurping the territory of this wealth.
So, while the book is certainly dedicated to helping members of his community reconnect with plants and territory, Lee Joseph hopes to interest non-Indigenous people in guiding them toward a respectful relationship with plants.
Archer, red cedar, spruce, thorn tree, or giant banana… an impressive number of species are listed.
Each plant name appears in the book in the Squamish language. Lee Joseph wanted to do this because he knew that the indigenous languages were in great danger at this time.
Not speaking Squamish, she consulted her sister and other knowledgeable members of the community in the area. They helped to translate the names of the plants, but also to mark the pronunciation of the Squamish version.
A western red cedar in the Revelstoke region of southeastern British Columbia. (archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Camille Vernet
The author also discusses the impact of colonialism on First Nations botanical knowledge in his book. We lost access to territory through colonialism and access to these plants that were part of our pharmacy
she says.
Lee Joseph traveled as part of his studies and for the publication of this book, including to the Montreal Botanical Garden. This process makes him want to be modest.
I can bring the skills that I have, that I have the right method, or that what works among the Squamish will work in another community. I think you have to have this humility and openness to learning
The teacher explains.
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