Plant Teachings from My Auntie

What if learning about plants meant learning how to relate to land, language, and living knowledge? Plant Teachings from My Auntie offers a rare opportunity to engage with Snuneymuxw (Coast Salish) plant knowledge as it is meant to be shared: through relationship, respect, and lived cultural practice.Grounded in the teachings of Snuneymuxw Elder and Knowledge Keeper Geraldine Manson (C'tasi:a), this richly illustrated guide brings forward knowledge passed down through generations—including the teachings of her Auntie Ellen (Kwulasulwut)—and rooted in the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. What You'll Gain A deeper understanding of Snuneymuxw (Coast Salish) plant knowledge and teachingsGuidance for identifying and working with 65 culturally significant plantsInsight into Hul'q'umi'num plant names and their connection to meaning, use, and placePractical approaches to respectful, sustainable gathering and preparationA more grounded, reciprocal relationship with the landRather than offering a purely technical field guide, this book shares knowledge within its cultural, linguistic, and ethical context—supporting learning that is both practical and respectful. A Guide Rooted in Language, Land, and Relationship Each plant profile includes:Hul'q'umi'num names alongside botanical identificationHabitat and seasonal context within Snuneymuxw territoryTraditional uses for medicine, nourishment, textiles, and ceremonyCultural teachings and protocols for respectful gathering and preparationParticular attention is given to Western Red Cedar—the "tree of life"—and its central role within Snuneymuxw knowledge and practice.If you're looking for ways to learn about plants while honoring the knowledge systems they come from, this book offers guidance grounded in lived experience. Learning Through Snu'y'ulh—Teachings Passed Down At the heart of this book is Snu'y'ulh: teachings carried through generations that guide how to live, gather, and relate.You'll find:Recipes and preparation methods rooted in traditional knowledgeGuidance for ethical harvesting and ecological responsibilityInsights into how language, culture, and land are interconnectedA deeper understanding of reciprocity and respect in practiceRather than separating knowledge from context, this book emphasizes learning that honors continuity, responsibility, and relationship. Who This Book Is For Herbalists and foragers seeking culturally grounded plant knowledgeEducators and students of ethnobotany and Indigenous studiesReaders committed to reconciliation and respectful land-based learningNaturalists and outdoor learners in the Pacific NorthwestAnyone seeking a deeper, more relational understanding of plants and place Guidance from Knowledge Keepers and Long-Term Collaboration Geraldine Manson (C'tasi:a), a respected Snuneymuxw Elder and Knowledge Keeper, shares teachings passed down through generations within her community.Co-author Nancy J. Turner brings over 50 years of ethnobotanical research and collaboration with Indigenous communities, helping to document and support the continuity of plant-based knowledge across northwestern North America.Together, their work reflects a relationship grounded in respect, trust, and shared commitment to cultural knowledge. A Path Toward Respectful Relationship with the Land At a time when many are seeking deeper connection to the natural world, this book offers a thoughtful path forward.By learning to gather with awareness and respect—and by understanding the teachings embedded in language and place—you can begin to build a more reciprocal relationship with the land.