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

by Dr Luschiim Arvid Charlie, Nancy Turner (With)

An invaluable compendium of Hul′q′umi′num′ traditional knowledge. Respected Cowichan Tribe Elder and botanical expert, Luschiim Arvid Charlie, began his education in early childhood, learning from his great grandparents and others of their generation.  Luschiim’s Plants  represents his dedication to the survival of the Hul′q′umi′num′ language and traditional knowledge of plants for future generations. From the healing properties of qaanlhp (arbutus) to the many practical applications of q’am  (bull kelp), the information presented in this remarkable guide shares knowledge of plants that Luschiim is familiar with through his own Elders’ teachings and by way of direct experience over the course of his lifetime, and compiled from field outings and interviews with notable ethnobiologist and botanist Nancy Turner. In this unprecedented collection of botanical information, over 140 plants are categorized within their broad botanical algae and seaweeds, lichens, fungi and mushrooms, mosses and liverworts, ferns and fern-allies, coniferous trees, deciduous trees, shrubs and vines, and herbaceous flowering plants. Each entry is illustrated with a colour photo and includes the plant’s common, scientific and Hul′q′umi′num′ names; a short description; where to find it; and cultural knowledge related to the plant. Additional notes encompass plant use, safety and conservation; the linguistic writing system used for Hul′q′umi′num′ plant names; as well as miscellaneous notes from interviews with Luschiim. This volume is an important addition to the bookshelves of botanists, and will fascinate anyone with an interest in plants of the West Coast and their traditional uses by Coast Salish peoples.

Genres: Indigenous, Ecology

288 pages, Paperback

Published November 2, 2021

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written reference book on the indigenous plants of Vancouver Island. The Hul'q'umi'num' traditional plant names are interesting and Dr. Charlie's cultural knowledge is endless. I liked the plant descriptions and that they include a sentence or two about where they can be found. The pictures and images are beautiful and will aid in identification. I think this book is written in a style that does not require the reader to be an expert in botany, but is a great read if you are interested in learning about what domestic plants our island offers us. I plan to keep it in my backpack so I can refer to it on hikes and start to learn the names of the plants I so often see when I'm out geocaching in the forest. Well done Nancy J. Turner and Luschiim A. Charlie, this book is luscious.

[coldtofu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really wonderful book about native plants important to the Cowichan people.

There’s lots of missing information due to it being sacred/not being appropriate for the general public or because the knowledge was lost. This was a very important compilation of Luschiim’s knowledge, and was heavy to read sometimes when his stories highlighted the amount of cultural traditions that were never imparted to him.

I really appreciated the hul’q’umi’num’ names and guide to pronouncing them, and the separate index at the back, as it seems like this would be great for someone learning the language.

Very good read and I’m happy to have this on my bookshelf to supplement other plant ID books. I’m a big fan of Nancy j Turner and would recommend her other botany books as she has so much experience with the plants of BC.

[Alexandra’s · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book with a wealth of knowledge about local plants to the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. I loved how it gave the indigenous names of the plants as well as it’s use in indigenous culture (for example, medicinal, fishing, prayer, etc.). A must-read for anyone re-learning about the traditional knowledge keepers of this land. We need more books like this!!!!! ❤️

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and entertaining. Well illustrated with photos.

[K.V. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an informative and interesting guide. I enjoyed how they incorporated the indigenous plant names and commentary.