In this episode of Good Medicine, we sit down with Leigh Joseph, a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ethnobotanist, author, and community activist from British Columbia, to explore the profound relationships between people, plants, and the land. Leigh bridges traditional Indigenous plant knowledge with contemporary science, nurturing cultural renewal and helping us reconnect with our plant relatives for physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Leigh is the founder of Sḵwálwen Botanicals, an Indigenous skincare company honoring Squamish plant teachings through sustainably wild-harvested, small-batch creations. She is also the award-winning author of Held by the Land and her new children’s book, The Land Knows Me, which guides young readers in learning plant names, exploring Indigenous stories, and discovering hands-on ways to connect with nature.
In this conversation, Leigh shares her personal journey, the importance of culturally grounded relationships with plants, and how ancestral knowledge can inform modern life. She discusses the challenges of preserving Indigenous knowledge in academic spaces, offers inspiration for families and youth to reconnect with the natural world, and reflects on her favorite plants, seasonal rhythms, and the meaning of Good Medicine.
Whether you’re a parent, educator, or anyone curious about plants, culture, and healing, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to slow down, listen, and remember that the land truly knows us.
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