See: Indigenous plant wisdom shared through Squamish Estuary walk

The power of plants can be quite something, especially when linked with cultural knowledge.

Sḵwálwen Botanicals has been offering opportunities this month to learn about Indigenous cultural connection with the land in Squamish, and how folks may reciprocate its summer offerings.

On Aug. 8, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) member, Sḵwálwen founder and ethnobotanist D.r Leigh Joseph, PhD, (Styawat), took The Squamish Chief on a guided group tour of Sḵwálwen studio, followed by a walk in the Squamish estuary; a rare but timely event, she clarified, that was intended as a part of the Squamish Arts Festival this year.

Joseph said she has been sharing her knowledge and leading walking tours in some form for the last 15 to 20 years.

“Sḵwálwen represents more than skincare. It is a ceremonial offering of Indigenous plant wisdom that keeps ancestral tradition alive,” the Sḵwálwen website reads. The website also refers to the business’s upcoming non-profit The Sḵwálwen Indigenous Botany Society, which will further knowledge of “culturally important plants and places … and increase access [to them] for Indigenous communities.”

This furthering of knowledge was exactly what Joseph demonstrated in her presentation to the group. She also shared parts of her personal history and scientific information about various plants growing in the estuary.

The Squamish Chief, along with the rest of the group in attendance, first had the opportunity to look around the Sḵwálwen Botanics’ studio and store, located at 37756 on Third Avenue. In the studio, the group sampled two types of hot and cold herbal tea, as well as various testers of skincare products, before embarking on the estuary walk. The walk itself was taken at a steady pace, with frequent stops to observe various plants, often with views of the surrounding area or, indeed, their ecosystem. Joseph provided flashcards and other learning resources containing further information.

Joseph said that yarrow, for example, is used in Sḵwálwen bath salts, and showed the group how the leaves could be crushed to bring out a strong scent. She described how its properties can contribute to anti-inflammation, slowing bleeding and healing sunburn. 

“We isolate the compounds and discover the benefits,” she said.

She also told the group her personal stories associated with the plants, and described them as “relatives,” (as opposed to just resources). 

Sḵwálwen, which promotes the use of organic ingredients and sustainable harvesting techniques for skincare, is about fostering relationships in responsible and reciprocal ways, according to Joseph.

“What my responsibility is in terms of sharing knowledge and … [learning] about ways to do that, that are respectful and not sharing overly sensitive cultural information … [is] finding that intersection where people are open to the natural beauty of plants, and how we can tend to our own well-being through those plants. Also … what we can do to tend to the ecosystems and waters that support these plants as well. It’s really [about] connecting to cultural plant knowledge and place,” she said.

Joseph described the acquisition of knowledge of the land as a humbling experience, and how important it is to leave behind some plant life for animals and other Indigenous communities, or “all who utilize these spaces.”

“Without this [plant] life, we don’t have what we need to survive. We learn how we create our own impact,” she said.

In order to preserve the land and its resources for all forms of life, Joseph explained how Sḵwálwen is veering away from wild harvesting and turning more towards working with local organic growers. 

She also explained on the tour that she has family who attended residential schools; they were barred from having access to such cultural knowledge, and forbidden to share their language.

“It’s really important to me to offer as many opportunities to learn about the history and context, as well as the current renewal of knowledge and connection taking place. I’m so proud to have Sḵwálwen as a business here in my home territory. It really offers me a way of giving back to [the] community.”

Joseph told The Squamish Chief that she hopes to create more studio tours and walks in the next year, and involve schools and health authorities.

The Sḵwálwen Botanicals store is open 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief's Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter.

This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.

The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news. To be considered, please reach out to [email protected].