Aboriginal Plant Use in Canada's Northwest Boreal Forest

Marilyn Mardiros is an associate professor of health sciences at the
University of Ottawa.

Based on ethnobotanical research with First Nations and Métis people
who live in Canada’s northwest boreal forest, this book describes 200
traditional plant products and their many uses (e.g., food, medicine,
ritual). Although the emphasis is on plants in northern Manitoba,
Saskatchewan and Alberta, much of the material is relevant to other
areas in Canada.

Plants are grouped according to genetic relationships (fungi, lichens,
nonvascular plants, vascular spore producers, gymnosperms, and
angiosperms) and presented alphabetically by scientific names. The
descriptions of the plants, their habitat, and biochemical properties
(including the nutrient content and pharmacology) are supplemented with
excellent photographs. The potential of each plant for economic
development is noted.

The reader learns how scientists and community members worked together
in collecting and analyzing information about the plants. The authors
also discuss ecology of the regions and the historical and cultural
background of aboriginal populations in the regions. A review of the
literature on boreal plant use serves as a good resource for readers
wanting further information on the subject. The authors acknowledge the
importance of indigenous intellectual property rights, noting that they
obtained permission to use the information provided in the book.

This excellent field guide is recommended for First Nations’
communities; those in the social, biological, and health sciences; and,
above all, anyone who wants to learn about traditional and contemporary
uses of plants.