What does it mean to truly see the land—not just through a scientific lens, but through an Indigenous perspective that recognizes deep cultural relationships with plants? In a recent Wild Ones presentation, Shayla Chalifoux, founder of Shaylish Indigenous Plant Selections, explored this concept through the lens of Two-Eyed Seeing, a framework that bridges Indigenous wisdom and Western ecological knowledge.
In her talk, A Two-Eyed Seeing Approach to Native & Cultural Plants, Shayla shared insights on native plants, their cultural significance, and propagation techniques, weaving together scientific and Indigenous wisdom. Her approach challenges us to rethink how we interact with the land, not just as gardeners but as stewards and community members.
Meet Shayla Chalifoux
Shayla Chalifoux (muskwasis) is a proud Sťáťimc, Nêhiyaw, and mixed European plant enthusiast dedicated to giving back to the tmicw (land) and Indigenous Peoples. She founded Shaylish Indigenous Plant Selections, a native plant consulting business. Through consultations and educational talks, Shayla aims to bridge knowledge gaps. Her work highlights the essential role of Indigenous knowledge in sustaining ecosystems.
Shayla is a passionate lifelong learner with a Bachelor’s in Horticultural Science, a major in plant health and a Horticulture Diploma emphasizing sustainable production. She has completed the St̓át̓imc Language Fluency Certificate and is working towards the degree.
Deeply passionate about the native plants of Salish lands, Shayla integrates Western and Ancestral wisdom in her two-eyed seeing approach. Her mission is to Indigenize plant spaces, foster biodiversity, and nurture a deeper connection to ta tmícwa (the land). Shayla believes that by working together, we can cultivate a harmonious environment for Tákem i snek̓wnúk̓wa7lhkalha (All Our Relations).
Q & A with Shayla Chalifoux
We had an opportunity to ask Shayla a few questions to help Wild Ones members connect more deeply with the themes she introduced.
Q: The Two-Eyed Seeing approach was a central theme in your talk. How does this perspective guide your relationship with plants and landscapes, and how might it challenge conventional conservation approaches?
Shayla: A two-eyed seeing perspective is how I approach horticulture and native plants. This is a method that I have been learning throughout my horticulture experience and time reconnecting to my culture. I used to view plants as pretty photosynthesizers for agriculture, tropical oases inside homes, and cute cut flower arrangements. After learning from a deep dive into Indigenous ways of being, I realized that our plant relations are so much more than that. Plants have been in relation with Indigenous Peoples for thousands of years. They were carefully learned and utilized in all aspects of life. I greatly appreciate our plant relations and my ancestor’s connection to them. When I walk through a forest, I see plant relations and all our other friends that keep us alive. Tákem I snek̓wnúk̓wa7lhkalha (All Our Relations). I have seen that conventional conservation approaches lack a deep cultural connection to ta tmícwa (the land). There is a lack of Indigenous-led conservation, and that is a missed opportunity. I feel there is much to learn from our knowledge carriers, Indigenous Nations, and ta tmícwa (the land); we have to slow down (skenkínlec) and k̓alán̓ (listen).
Q: Propagation methods like seed stratification, cuttings, and divisions are widely used in horticulture. From a Two-Eyed Seeing perspective, how do these techniques connect to Indigenous ways of caring for and relating to the land?
Shayla: Propagation is considered a different word/phrase in some Indigenous Perspectives. When I think about what my Ancestors would have called propagation, I feel they would say we are caring for ta tmícwa (the earth), ensuring abundance for Tákem I snek̓wnúk̓wa7lhkalha (All Our Relations). Both the Western and Indigenous People understood the importance of growing more plants. We must reciprocate and give back when we harvest/ take from the land. A great way to give back is to grow more plants, ensuring local biodiversity has sustenance and habitat.
Q: You highlighted several culturally significant plants, including camas, sweetgrass, nodding onion, and juniper. Could you share more about why you chose these particular plants?
Shayla: These are some of my favourite plants and have a cultural connection to various Indigenous communities. Camas is an important food crop known for needing a long cooking time, but it pays off because you get a sweet treat after. After learning about the camas fields on lək̓ʷəŋən territory, I realized there was so much to grasp about how Indigenous Peoples cared for the land and our relations. Sweetgrass was the first cultural plant I had a relationship with. Growing up, we would smudge at various cultural events, and that was when I learned that plants could provide healing through burning them. Sage is another plant that I smudge with. I was gifted some káwku (big leaf sage), and I also smudge with that at certain times. Both have a different smell and bring me healing and presence. Nodding onion is another bulb food crop that I find beautiful, and I wanted to share that with you. Juniper is a significant cultural plant to my nation, St’át’imc Nation. I hope these little bits of knowledge can inspire others to learn more about the many wonderous plants that have sustained life on this planet.
Q: Seed exchanges are a major activity for Wild Ones members. How can those participating in these exchanges approach seed saving and sharing in a way that not only supports biodiversity but also acknowledges cultural significance and strengthens connections to the land?
Shayla: When you save seeds, you allow the plant to pass on their genetics and teachings to future generations (non-human and human kin). One must learn about that plant relation’s life cycle to save seed. Therefore, you are becoming more connected with the land and its rhythms. Connecting with the community while building relations and exchanging knowledge and stories will benefit Tákem I snek̓wnúk̓wa7lhkalha (All Our Relations). Nuk̓w7antwál̓ (Help each other). Through my years in the horticulture industry, I have learned as much from my peers and community as I have in books. We can help ta tmícwa better together.
Q: For those learning about Indigenous perspectives on native plants for the first time, what reflections or shifts in thinking would you encourage as they deepen their engagement?
Shayla: I encourage everyone to learn whose land you are living on. Learn about those nations and their culture through books, videos, and articles. The Terra nullius doctrine claimed that this land was inhabited by none and was meant to be conquered. Still today, Indigenous Peoples on Turtle Island are subject to government disregard and oppression. Take time to figure out how best to support the host nations on which land you are on or close to. There is much to learn about the land through the Indigenous Nations that have stewarded that land.
Continuing the Conversation
Shayla’s presentation encourages us to look beyond traditional conservation methods and consider how we interact with the land through both ecological and cultural relationships. Her insights remind us that native plants are not just elements of restoration projects—they are part of living histories, food systems, and spiritual practices that have sustained Indigenous communities for generations.
Whether through seed exchanges, propagation efforts, or simply deepening our awareness of native plants’ cultural roles, we all have opportunities to shift from seeing plants as “things we grow” to relations we nurture.
Take Action: What Can You Do?
- Watch Shayla’s presentation and reflect on what Two-Eyed Seeing means in your own gardening or conservation efforts: https://youtu.be/v9F0jJ6doZg
- Learn about whose land you live on through Native Land Digital.
- Support native plant nurseries and seek out seeds adapted to your local ecosystem. To get started, check out our Nursery List.
- Participate in a seed exchange with greater awareness of the histories and communities tied to those seeds. Find upcoming Wild Ones events near you.
- Spend time on the land—listen, observe, and deepen your relationship with native plants beyond the garden.
We’re grateful to Shayla for sharing her knowledge and hope this conversation continues to spark new ways of thinking about our role in conservation.