Haida Gwaii: Medicine Surrounds Us

Summary

Linda Tallis, a member of the Skidegate Haida Nation, shares her deep connection to the land and medicinal plants through her family’s traditional knowledge. She introduces various plants along a forest trail, highlighting their medicinal uses for treating ailments like colds, coughs, and toothaches. Tallis also discusses the cultural significance of plants such as cedar and licorice root, and shares an indigenous myth involving the supernatural Wasco. The video emphasizes the importance of preserving both the environment and the invaluable cultural wisdom that has been passed down through generations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Linda Tallis, also known as God Gawa (Mother of Highborn), lives in Skidegate and belongs to the Haida clan from Unaa, Skans, and Kel K.
• 😀 The path discussed in the script is a historical route used by the Skidegate people to gather Monumental Cedars from the old-growth forests.
• 😀 The speaker highlights the medicinal plants in the rainforest, particularly those used for common ailments like coughs and colds.
• 😀 Linda learned about the plants from her mother, who inherited knowledge from her grandmother, and supplemented it with her own research.
• 😀 The lady fern is one of the plants discussed, notable for its diamond-shaped fronds and edible bulbs, which were used for nourishment.
• 😀 Cedar trees, referred to as the 'tree of life,' have been in the region for 5,000 years and were used for a variety of purposes by the Haida people.
• 😀 Liquorice root, found on moss-covered trees and rocks, was commonly used for treating coughs, colds, and mouth ailments like gum boils and toothaches.
• 😀 Various tree barks, including that of the Sitka Spruce, were historically used for tools and other purposes due to their durability and lightweight properties.
• 😀 The speaker mentions the impact of introduced deer on local plant life, including medicinal plants like Devil's Club, which deer consume when young.
• 😀 Huckleberries, both blue and red, were used by the Haida for tools, with their strong wood being used for pegs and nails.
• 😀 The script also describes the medicinal uses of plants like false lily of the valley, which was used for healing burns, wounds, and sore eyes.
• 😀 The dwarf dogwood, although edible, has a dry taste and large seeds, making it a less commonly consumed berry, compared to others like the pomegranate.
• 😀 The bracken fern root was used for polishing wood and had carcinogenic properties when consumed in excess, showing the Haida's deep knowledge of plants' benefits and risks.
• 😀 Uwood, a rare plant found on the trail, is mentioned briefly, with little known about its use or properties.
• 😀 The Wasco crest, half wolf and half killer whale, is an important Haida symbol, representing a supernatural being that hunted whales and loved children, linked to local mythology.

Q & A

What is the significance of the name 'God gawa' mentioned by Linda Tallis?

The name 'God gawa' means 'Mother of Highborn' in Linda Tallis's native language, reflecting her cultural heritage and identity.

How did Linda Tallis learn about medicinal plants?

Linda Tallis learned about medicinal plants from her mother, who passed down knowledge from her grandmother. Linda also conducted her own research to identify and understand different plants.

What role did the cedar tree play in Linda Tallis’s community?

The cedar tree was essential to Linda Tallis's community, often referred to as the 'tree of life.' It was used for various purposes, including building materials and other daily necessities.

What medicinal uses does the liquorice root have, according to the script?

The liquorice root was used to treat coughs, colds, and toothaches. It could be chewed to relieve pain, particularly for gum boils, and was also used for its healing properties for sores.

Why are the plants on rocks considered to have more healing properties?

Linda Tallis’s mother believed that plants growing on rocks, such as the liquorice root, had enhanced healing qualities due to the minerals present in the rocks.

How does the introduction of deer in the region affect the environment?

Deer, introduced in the early 20th century, have no natural predators and are damaging to the local environment. They consume plants like devil's club and young cedar trees, which affects the growth of medicinal plants and the overall ecosystem.

What is the difference between the blue and red huckleberries as discussed in the script?

The blue huckleberry has a stronger, more durable wood used for tools like pegs and nails, while the red huckleberry is noted for its distinct appearance but is less useful in terms of wood.

What is the purpose of the deer enclosures built in 2017?

The deer enclosures were built to monitor the impact of deer on the local vegetation and to study the differences in plant life with and without deer presence.

What medicinal uses does the false lily of the valley have?

The root of the false lily of the valley was used for treating sore eyes and as a remedy for burns, wounds, and sores. The leaves were used in the past to treat various skin issues.

What is the cultural significance of the Wasco crest mentioned in the script?

The Wasco crest is a symbol of the Haida people, representing a mythical creature that is part wolf and part killer whale. It is associated with a creation story involving the rescue of children and the restoration of life, reflecting the Haida's spiritual beliefs and storytelling traditions.