The Land Knows Me
- indigenoustutoring
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
If you’re interested in plants – their names, medicinal uses, histories, and characteristics – then I have the perfect book for you. For Part 3 of our Indigenous children’s book series, I am excited to introduce The Land Knows Me by Styawat/Leigh Joseph.
Title: The Land Knows Me
Author: Styawat/Leigh Joseph
Age Range: 6 to 11
Length: 80 pages
Content warnings: N/A
Published in 2025, The Land Knows Me is grounded in Squamish knowledge and cultural teachings, and invites readers on a journey through the living world around us. The story follows Leigh, her two children, and her niece as they walk the land together, observing, identifying, and building relationships with the plants they encounter.
What makes this book especially unique is its plant profile directory at the end, which features 15 plant species. From Red-Flowering Currant (Ḵwiĺayus) to Pacific Crabapple (Ḵwe7úpaý), each profile includes information about the plant’s appearance, traditional uses, traits, and history. The book also shares harvesting procedures and recipes for select plants, making it a storybook, educational guide, and hands-on resource all in one!
What I loved most about this book is how each plant is introduced with its Squamish name, English name, and Latin name. The colorful illustrations are sure to capture the attention of young readers, making learning about plants both fun and memorable. Plus, the plant directory at the end is a great resource for kids to explore the natural world around us!
The author of the book, Styawat/Leigh Joseph, is a member of the Squamish Nation, founder of Sḵwálwen Botanicals, and an assistant professor in the Department of Geography at Simon Fraser University. Her work centers on cultural knowledge renewal in connection to Indigenous plant and land-based relationships.
The book is illustrated by Natalie Schnitter, who graduated from Emily Carr University of Art and Design. Natalie grew up on Vancouver Island and has contributed her artistic talents to film and television projects, including Goosebumps and The Imperfects.
Although the book is recommended for children ages 6-11, readers of all ages can benefit from its teachings. Whether you are new to learning about Indigenous plant knowledge or already interested in ethnobotany, The Land Knows Me offers a meaningful reminder that we are deeply connected to the natural world around us.
Thank you for joining me for Part 3 of our Indigenous children’s book series. I hope this introduction inspires you to pick up a copy of The Land Knows Me at your local bookstore or library!
If you’d like to purchase a copy of The Land Knows Me, it is available through:
You can also borrow it from several libraries, including but not limited to:
Author: Riley Sommerville, ITMP Blog Writer
Image credits: The Land Knows Me Cover, Styawat/Leigh Joseph via Sḵwálwen Botanicals
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