Abby Shin

Robin Wall Kimmerer is an Anishinaabe professor, biologist, botanist, traditional knowledge holder, and writer from the Potawatomi Nation. Her literature and advocacy offer a refreshing perspective on ecological issues through a marriage between Indigenous and western science. She presents explanations and solutions for ecological degradation grounded in a familial respect for nature that is the foundation of many Indigenous cultures, but revolutionary for western ones. Her arguments are based in hope and reciprocity, adding positivity and beauty to movements saturated by doom and gloom. If you are looking to consume uplifting content this holiday season, which is still very much representative of the social-ecological issues being faced today, look to Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Braiding Sweetgrass and The Serviceberry

While Robin Wall Kimmerer has written many books, I will be focusing on the two I have read so far – Braiding Sweetgrass (2014) and The Serviceberry (2024). However, I would highly recommend exploring all of her literature.

Braiding Sweetgrass was Robin Wall Kimmerer’s second book, and it was revolutionary. Garnering immense praise globally, it is a beautifully written non-fiction of Indigenous and western science-based environmental teachings. Each chapter presents new ideas for re-thinking our relationships with the Earth. These observations, critiques, and analyses are explained using ecology, traditional ecological knowledge, and anecdotal stories from Robin’s life as an Indigenous woman, scholar, mother, community member, and steward. Her writing is so personal, both illustrative and straightforward. Braiding Sweetgrass is an easy read that will challenge the way you see the world around you.

The Serviceberry is Robin’s most recent publication. Only around 110 pages, it is the perfect introduction to her philosophies. In it, she explores the idea of a gift economy versus our current system of extraction and overconsumption. A gift economy is based on reciprocity, between each other and between the source of our belongings – the Earth. It is based on gratitude, and a balance between taking from and giving back to the ecosystems which support us. Like Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin uses stories from her life, her cultural teachings, and her research to illustrate these ideas and how they play out in the real world. Both of these books will make you reflect on, critique, and be inspired about your role as a consumer and steward.

It is important to acknowledge that Robin’s work is based on centuries of Indigenous knowledge and practices. While her arguments are a relatively new and exciting challenge against current western ideals, it is crucial that those of us who learn and practice them remember that they are based on knowledge which belongs to Indigenous peoples. The separation of Indigenous knowledge from knowledge holders is a significant issue in the environmental studies, and is very detrimental to Indigenous communities.

“Even a wounded world is feeding us. Even a wounded world holds us, giving us moments of wonder and joy. I choose joy over despair. Not because I have my head in the sand, but because joy is what the earth gives me daily and I must return the gift” -Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass

The Plant, Baby, Plant movement

Robin Wall Kimmerer recently created the Plant, Baby, Plant movement in response to the “drill, baby, drill” mantra used by the current joke of an administration running the US. I have avoided writing about the environmental tragedies occurring in the States because honestly, it is just too much to bear. However, I want to highlight this initiative as a piece of positivity which has come from the destruction. The Plant, Baby, Plant movement aims to embody the ideals shared in Robin Wall Kimmerer’s writing – reciprocity, gratitude, and stewardship. It encourages its members to practice acts of kindness, both for the earth and one another. Even if you do not live in the US, I would encourage you to explore this movement, if for anything, to see that people are still mobilizing in response to the craziness.