DeepSummary
In this podcast episode, Alie Ward interviews Leigh Joseph, an ethnobotanist and member of the Squamish First Nation, about her work studying the cultural interrelationships between people and plants. Leigh discusses how the field of ethnobotany has evolved from its colonial beginnings to include more indigenous voices and perspectives. She shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her indigenous heritage through the study of plants and working with her community.
Leigh explains the process of identifying and harvesting native plants, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices, reciprocity, and respect for the land and its inhabitants. She highlights the value of traditional plant knowledge in areas such as medicine, food, and skincare, and the challenges of integrating this knowledge with modern Western practices. Leigh also touches on the impact of colonization on indigenous communities and their relationship with plants.
Throughout the episode, Leigh stresses the significance of involving indigenous communities in her research and ensuring that their perspectives and priorities are at the forefront. She encourages listeners to educate themselves about native plants, support local indigenous communities, and approach harvesting with care and respect for the land and its inhabitants.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Ethnobotany is the study of the cultural interrelationships between people and plants, and it has evolved from its colonial origins to include more indigenous voices and perspectives.
- Sustainable practices, reciprocity, and respect for the land and its inhabitants are crucial when identifying, harvesting, and using native plants.
- Traditional plant knowledge holds significant value in areas such as medicine, food, and skincare, but caution must be taken when integrating it with modern Western practices.
- Involving indigenous communities in research and prioritizing their perspectives and priorities is essential in the field of ethnobotany.
- Education and self-reflection are necessary when approaching the harvesting and use of native plants, especially those with cultural significance.
- Plants can offer various benefits, including addressing inflammation, breakouts, and other health concerns, but proper guidance and knowledge are essential.
- Invasive species can have detrimental impacts on native plant populations and ecosystems, but there may be opportunities for creative utilization and management.
- The study of ethnobotany can provide a pathway for reconnecting with indigenous heritage, identity, and traditional knowledge.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Ethnobotany is defined as the study of the cultural interrelationships between people and plants. And I would add into that place as well. It hasn't always been defined like that. In fact, it has very colonial beginnings, starting as a very extractive area of research, founded to look at the utilitarian nature of plants, what could be taken from cultural knowledge, and then applied in a european context or a non indigenous context. And so, since this term ethnobotany was coined in the late 18 hundreds, it really has transformed and changed a lot. That being said, the field of study really is still very much in the early stages of having more indigenous voices at the table, both in the literature and kind of in the discipline more broadly.“ by Leigh Joseph
- “And it's been taught to me by some of my community mentors that whenever you can ingest a plant and utilize it topically, you're just enhancing the benefits of that plant. So Rosehip would be a plant that sort of falls in that category, as well as being one that's really great to address inflammation and also calm breakouts.“ by Leigh Joseph
- “So I would say sit with people in your community because they will help guide you and really come back and lean on your community and the teachings there for how to carry yourself in a good way and also to give you that strength and direction to continue pursuing your dreams and contributing your voice in your chosen field.“ by Leigh Joseph
- “But you also have to take care when reintroducing that in a different time than when those would have been the only and the primary medicines, for example, that are drawn on.“ by Leigh Joseph
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Episode Information
Ologies with Alie Ward
Alie Ward
1/9/24
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
More episode sources and links
Smologies (short, classroom-safe) episodes
Other episodes you may enjoy: Foraging Ecology (EATING WILD PLANTS) with @BlackForager, Alexis Nikole Nelson, Indigenous Cuisinology (NATIVE COOKING), Smologies #31: INDIGENOUS COOKING, Indigenous Pedology (SOIL SCIENCE), Bryology (MOSS) with Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, Dendrology (TREES), Wildlife Ecology (FIELDWORK), Urology (CROTCH PARTS), Nephrology (KIDNEYS), Carnivorous Phytobiology (MEAT-EATING PLANTS),
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