Robin Wall Kimmerer on the wonders of nature

Robin Wall Kimmerer, a botanist and author, has captivated readers with her unique perspective that intertwines Indigenous wisdom and scientific knowledge. Her 2013 book, "Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants," has achieved remarkable success, resonating with a wide audience and remaining on The New York Times Bestsellers List for years.

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A sweetgrass braid is meant as an emblem, a marker, a metaphor, if you will. We are committed to braiding Mother Earth's hair, i.e., we are committed to helping her be at her best.

Kimmerer, who is also a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, views plants and the land as sentient beings. She describes her commitment as "braiding Mother Earth's hair," signifying a dedication to nurturing the environment. This philosophy is evident in her approach to ecological understanding, where she draws parallels between complementary colors in nature and the integration of Western scientific knowledge with Indigenous ways of knowing.

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What I have tried to do is give voice to plants, to give voice to the land. And I found that people were listening. That felt for me like this deep obligation to continue to raise my voice, to advocate on their behalf.

Through her work, Kimmerer aims to give voice to the natural world, encouraging people to listen and advocate for the environment. She actively promotes a deeper connection with nature, exemplified by her "Plant Baby Plant" campaign, which encourages tree planting. Kimmerer also shares traditional ecological knowledge with Indigenous youth, fostering a sense of respect and gratitude for the Earth's gifts.

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Look at that color combination. I love how the gold, the goldenrod matches the center of the New England asters.

During an ecological tour on her land near Syracuse, N.Y., Kimmerer shared insights from her "plant teachers," such as New England asters and goldenrod. She introduced a 200-250-year-old maple tree, referred to as "Grandmother Maple" or "Nokomis Anenemik," and planted a companion basswood tree, chosen for its resilience to climate change. Kimmerer's holistic worldview, shaped by her roles as a mother, grandmother, botanist, professor, and Indigenous woman, underscores the profound joy found in connection with the living world.

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I've used these for a long time as plant teachers, to really think about complementary colors, and for me, complementary knowledge systems of Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous knowledge.