The Emotional Impact of Learning about Plants in Latin and Indigenous Languages

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This chapter explores the emotional impact of learning about plants in both Latin and the indigenous language of their ancestors. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating culture and personal identity into scientific studies, particularly in relation to indigenous knowledge. The chapter also discusses the discomfort experienced when encountering older ethnographies written by non-indigenous researchers.

The what, where, and who of native plants is … ethnobotany! Which is under the umbrella of Ethnoecology! The wonderful botanist Leigh Joseph shares what steered her to this field, how she includes her Squamish First Nation community in her research, and how we relate to plants – both native and invasive. She’ll chat about how to identify plants, Latin names vs. traditional names, how knowledge is passed down or silenced, the chilling history that inspired some of her work, uses for barks and berries and saps and teas, pharmaceuticals derived from Indigenous knowledge, ceremonial plants, the dos and absolutely do-nots of harvesting, skin remedies, white sage, and so much more. Also what should I put on my face?

Visit Leigh Joseph’s website and follow her on Instagram

Buy her book: Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness

Shop Leigh’s plant-based beauty brand: Skwálwen Botanicals

Donations went to Indigenous Climate Action and Seeding Sovereignty