I have been learning about Medicinal herbal knowledge in the UK for the
past few years. So, of course before travelling to Canada one of my main
hopes was to learn about the herbal knowledge there, especially
intrigued to learn about the seaweeds and kelps as we would be by the
coast!

I spotted a wonderful book through the window of Ten Old Books in Duncan, BC. The book was ‘Luschiim’s plants’ by Dr. Luschiim Arvid Charlie and Nancy J. Turner.

It felt really important for me to understand more about the knowledge and stories of First Nations in BC . ‘Luschiim Arvid Charlie,
is a Cowichan Tribe Elder and botanical expert. He gained knowledge and
understanding from is great grandparents and others of their
generation.’

It was incredible to delve into this book whilst walking on Vancouver
Island, it felt very special to have knowledge that has been in
Luschiim’s ancestory for multiple generations.

In particular, I loved learning about the uses of the Bull Kelp (pictured)
- these were used for curing things such as a bow and arrow. The
wonderful thing about the book is you hear Luschiim’s voice and stories
throughout, you hear his ancestors voices through his stories too. This
for me is a very special way to read about First Nations and their true
knowing and connection with the land. I am very grateful that Luschiim
shared some of his wisdom.

I was also very inspired to know more about the Skunk-Cabbage. Luschiim
mentions a story that his great-grandfather told him. ‘“when the black
bears and grizzlies wake up in spring after their winter sleep they
gorge on ts’a’kw’a (skunk cabbage leaves) - all they can eat and run
through the bushes. This flushes out all the worms they might have”

On a kayaking trip our guide told us that the skunk cabbage retain alot of
heat and when there is snow they are the first things to pop out as
they melt the snow, so the bears have something to gorge on as soon as
they spot the green leaves!

I look forward to reading more about the native plants in BC, even being
back in the UK, it’s always exciting to see links in our herbs too!

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Luschiim’s Plants - Traditional Indigenous Foods, Materials and Medicines