Plant Teachings from My Auntie - by Geraldine Manson & Nancy J Turner (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A Snuneymuxw ethnobotany guide grounded in Indigenous knowledge and deep ancestral connection to the land

Plant Teachings from My Auntie: Gathering Coast Salish Plants for Medicine, Textiles, Nourishment, and Ceremony is a richly illustrated compendium of the many culturally significant wild foods and herbal remedies found in the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Each entry features plant descriptions complete with both their Hul'q'umi'num and botanical names, typical native habitat, and traditional uses. Particular attention is paid to the sacred Western Red Cedar or "tree of life." The book also offers a selection of healing recipes; tips for respectful, sustainable harvesting; ethical and responsible preparation techniques; and a guide to local gathering sites.

Snu'y'ulh refers to teachings handed down through generations. Snuneymuxw Elder and Knowledge Keeper Geraldine Manson, whose traditional name is C'tasi: a, draws on the sacred knowledge passed on to her by her "Auntie Ellen," Dr. Ellen White, also known as Kwulasulwut. Central to these learnings is the fundamental concept or protocol of honoring gifts from the land by gathering and preparing in ways that respect the history, culture, spirituality, and Indigenous knowledge associated with each species.

This powerful work is a rare treasure that will appeal to those seeking to foster greater cultural understanding and ecological responsibility while deepening their commitment to meaningful reconciliation.

About the Author

Geraldine Manson, C'tasi: a is a respected Knowledge Keeper, Elder, and Matriarch of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. She recognizes and acknowledges her Snuneymuxw ancestors who shared their traditional knowledge with her. She is a Vancouver Island University Elder-in-Residence, where she supports faculty and students, assists with the understanding of First Nations practices in relation to traditional health and healing, provides guidance, blessings, and protocol for ceremonial and cultural events, and hosts guests and visiting elders. For over two decades C'tasi: a has worked with the Gabriola Historical and Museum Society on Truth and Reconciliation initiatives, collaborating on exhibits, providing tours onsite, teaching about the importance of petroglyphs, and helping settlers to understand the sacred significance of First Peoples' ongoing relationship to the land. C'tasi: a is the author of Snuneymuxw Mulstimuxw and Snuneymuxw History: Written in Places and Spaces. She lives in Nanaimo, BC on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.

Nancy J. Turner is an ethnobotanist, distinguished Professor Emerita, and former Hakai Professor in Ethnoecology with the School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria, BC. She has worked with First Nations elders and cultural specialists in northwestern North America for over 50 years, helping to document, retain, and promote their traditional plant-based knowledge, and has been formally adopted into Haida, Kwakwaka'wakw, Songhees, and Nisga'a families. Nancy has authored or co-authored over 30 books including her encyclopedic and award-winning Ancient Pathways, Ancestral Knowledge: Ethnobotany and Ecological Wisdom of Indigenous Peoples of Northwestern North America, and Luschiim's Plants: Traditional Indigenous Foods, Materials and Medicines (coauthored with Quwut'sun Elder Dr. Luschiim Arvid Charlie). She is a member of the Order of British Columbia and the Order of Canada, and lives in Nanaimo, BC on the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw First Nation.