Review: Held by the Land Deck

Title:  “Held By The Land Deck: 45 Ways to Use Indigenous Plants for Healing and Nourishment”
Author:  Leigh Joseph
Publisher:  Wellfleet Press
Release Date:  April 9, 2024
Pages:  48-page Guidebook and 45 Cards

This guidebook and cards by Leigh Joseph, an ethnobotanist from the Squamish Nation in Vancouver, marry the growing need and respect for indigenous wisdom with the growing desire to use gifts offered by nature. 

Noting the diversity of plant knowledge and practices among Indigenous Peoples, she chose to approach these profiles only through the lens of Squamish woman. Each card represents a tree, shrub, flowering herb, or plant grown in Squamish Territory – or that has been culturally important to her community.

An illustration of the plant with a brief introduction including its Squamish name and pronunciation, traditional uses for health benefits and culinary purposes appear on one side of the card. The reverse side gives the botanical description along with its habitat, range, sustainable harvesting methods, and, if needed, warnings. 

The guidebook gives insights for plant identification, responsible harvesting, drying methods and must-haves for a home apothecary. There is also a botanical glossary, four recipes, and steps for building a land-based, mindful practice. 

Plants have guided Leigh’s work. Cultural reconnection came from establishing relationships with plants and the land. She combined ancestral wisdom with academic knowledge, to “fill in some of the gaps” she experienced “due to the impacts of colonization and intergenerational trauma on my family” – first by writing the 192-page hardcover edition “Held by the Land: A Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness” published in March 2023. In it she explained the book’s title writing, “What does it mean to be held? To me this means being seen, recognized, supported, allowed just to be.”

That book, and now this boxed set of a guide and 2 1/8″ x 3 1/2″ cards printed on thick stock, is helping her children and community reconnect to culturally significant botanicals. Non-Indigenous readers will find it’s a resource for identifying plants and learning what it means to be in respectful relationships with the land and its offerings. 

About the Author:
Dr. Leigh Joseph, PhD (ancestral name Styawat), is an ethnobotanist, researcher, activist and entrepreneur from the Squamish First Nation in British Columbia, Canada. She contributes to cultural knowledge renewal in connection to Indigenous plant and land-based relationships. Her latest book, published March 4, 2025, is for children: “The Land Knows Me: A Nature Walk Exploring Indigenous Wisdom.” As founder of S?wálwen Botanicals, a plant-based skincare brand, Leigh combines the ceremonial aspects of plants, ancestral traditions, and modern beauty rituals. Through its philanthropic partnerships, S?wálwen elevates Indigenous communities.

About the Reviewer:
As an eclectic solitary practitioner, I travel the country in a converted school bus and share magick with those I meet. Find me at https://thewitchonwheels.com/ and on Facebook.