In honour of National Indigenous Peoples Day and Indigenous History Month, we're donating seed packets to partnering Indigenous communities, individuals, and organizations through our 6th annual Hiýáḿ Project. This year's featured plant is Camassia quamash ssp. maxima, known in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh as Spánanexw, SPÁNW̱ in SENĆOŦEN, qʷetłal in lək̓ʷəŋən, and Speenhw in Hul'q'umi'num'

About the Project:

The Hiýáḿ Project is a collaboration with Sḵwálwen Botanicals that brings native seeds to Indigenous communities. Hiýáḿ is a Squamish word that was chosen by Leigh Joseph of Sḵwálwen Botanicals and translates to “return home.” She chose this name to signify what it means to welcome Indigenous plants onto the land and the ways that Leigh describes, “plants can lead us home, to ourselves, to the land, and our families.”

Growing Relationships to People and Place:

Since its inception, the Hiýáḿ Project has grown into a community-supported initiative that distributes approximately 1,000 native seed packets free of charge each year. Through partnerships with more than 50 Indigenous individuals, communities, organizations, educators, restoration practitioners, and cultural programs, the project helps increase access to culturally significant native plants while supporting ecological restoration, education, and community connections to place. Seed packets are distributed within communities by these partners, helping extend the project's reach through trusted local relationships and networks. The success of the project reflects the generosity of those who help share seeds, knowledge, and stewardship practices throughout Coast Salish territories.

 Artwork:

The seed packets feature beautiful artwork by W̱SÁNEĆ Nation artist Sarah Jim of W̱SIKEM (Tseycum). Sarah Jim is a visual artist of mixed ancestry from the small village of Tseycum in W̱SÁNEĆ. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Victoria and works in environmental restoration. Her creations reflect and advocate for the beautiful land, sea, and skies that the W̱SÁNEĆ have stewarded since time immemorial. 

Learn more about our 2026 species: SPÁNW̱ / qʷetłal / Speenhw / Common Camas

This plant is rich in local Indigenous food traditions. We strongly recommend that non-Indigenous people take time to study and understand the complexities of the species. We encourage learning through respectful, accessible resources such as attending public cultural events, volunteering, and engaging with written materials that centre Indigenous voices.

Click here for detailed botanical and cultural info on our 2026 species!

Plant Overview: