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

Leigh Joseph offers readers a harvesting guide and introduction to the traditional practices of the BC First Peoples. It is complemented by traditional Indigenous storytelling and reflections that highlight ancestral knowledge. This exploration of culturally significant plants and how to harvest, preserve, and use them supports an understanding and respect for our local ecosystems and their relationship to the land. In a senior secondary classroom, students can use this guide to learn about their local fauna as well as the historical practices related to the use and harvesting of these natural resources. It lends itself particularly well to a BC First Peoples class and may inspire research projects on harvesting and preservation practices.