Deep Dive
Why does Sadie Olson consider her work with plants and the environment a way of life rather than activism?
For Sadie, protecting the environment and working with plants is an inherent responsibility and a continuation of her cultural heritage. It’s not a cause she consciously chose but a way of life that aligns with her identity as a member of the Lummi Nation.
What is the mission of White Swan Environmental?
White Swan Environmental aims to support community healing through natural, cultural, and historical restoration to the Salish Sea, ensuring seventh-generation sustainability and ecological health protection for all.
How does White Swan Environmental use plants in its programs?
White Swan Environmental integrates plants into various programs such as the Field to Classroom Curriculum, Digital Ecological Mapping, Stewardship Corps, 13 Moons Food Sovereignty, and Indigenous Public Health initiatives.
What role do log jams play in salmon habitat?
Log jams provide critical resting and growth areas for juvenile salmon by creating stagnant pools in rivers, which are essential for their survival as they learn to swim and avoid rapid currents.
How does eelgrass benefit the ecosystem?
Eelgrass produces 2.5 times more oxygen than a tree per square foot, supporting aquatic life, including salmon and crabs, and plays a vital role in maintaining water quality and biodiversity.
What traditional uses of plants does Sadie Olson highlight?
Sadie discusses the use of cedar for baskets and watertight containers, nettles for inflammation, soap berries for eye health, and camas as a complex carbohydrate source, among others.
How does Sadie Olson’s personal experience with plants influence her work?
Sadie’s chronic pain was alleviated through the use of native plants like nettles, which she credits as her
What is the significance of the ecological mapping tool by White Swan Environmental?
The ecological mapping tool allows users to explore various species, including plants and animals, across different microclimates in the Salish Sea region, providing detailed information on traditional uses and ecological roles.
What are some of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities in maintaining health?
Indigenous communities often face issues like heart disease, diabetes, and mental health challenges, which Sadie Olson links to a disconnect from traditional foods and medicines.
What advice does Sadie Olson give to young Indigenous people interested in plants?
Sadie encourages young Indigenous people to research a native plant they are drawn to, explore its traditional uses, and develop a sense of gratitude and respect for the plant’s role in their culture and health.
Shownotes Transcript