Braiding Sweetgrass
Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wish list failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Braiding Sweetgrass
Buy Now for $25.05
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Robin Wall Kimmerer
-
Written by:
-
Robin Wall Kimmerer
About this listen
As a botanist and professor of plant ecology, Robin Wall Kimmerer has spent a career learning how to ask questions of nature using the tools of science. As a Potawatomi woman, she learned from elders, family, and history that the Potawatomi, as well as a majority of other cultures indigenous to this land, consider plants and animals to be our oldest teachers.
In Braiding Sweetgrass, Kimmerer brings these two lenses of knowing together to reveal what it means to see humans as "the younger brothers of creation". As she explores these themes, she circles toward a central argument: The awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the world. Once we begin to listen for the languages of other beings, we can begin to understand the innumerable life-giving gifts the world provides us and learn to offer our thanks, our care, and our own gifts in return.
©2013 Robin Wall Kimmerer (P)2016 TantorYou may also enjoy...
-
Gathering Moss
- A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses
- Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Narrated by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 218
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 194
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 193
Living at the limits of our ordinary perception, mosses are a common but largely unnoticed element of the natural world. Gathering Moss is a beautifully written mix of science and personal reflection that invites listeners to explore and learn from the elegantly simple lives of mosses.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Beautiful voice
- By Tanya on 2020-10-06
Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
-
The Serviceberry
- Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Narrated by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 10
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 10
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 10
As Indigenous scientist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most? Our economy is rooted in scarcity, competition, and the hoarding of resources, and we have surrendered our values to a system that actively harms what we love. Meanwhile, the serviceberry’s relationship with the natural world is an embodiment of reciprocity.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
An excellent read!
- By Gardener Phyl on 2024-11-19
Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
-
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
- Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality
- Written by: Bob Joseph
- Narrated by: Sage Isaac
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 655
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 528
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 527
Based on a viral article, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act is the essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussion on generations of Indigenous peoples, written by a leading cultural sensitivity trainer. The Indian Act, after 141 years, continues to shape, control, and constrain the lives and opportunities of Indigenous peoples, and is at the root of many lasting stereotypes.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Essentially Canadian - Must Read.
- By Marcel Molin on 2019-08-23
Written by: Bob Joseph
-
The Inconvenient Indian
- A Curious Account of Native People in North America
- Written by: Thomas King
- Narrated by: Lorne Cardinal
- Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 920
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 799
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 793
The Inconvenient Indian is at once a “history” and the complete subversion of a history - in short, a critical and personal meditation that the remarkable Thomas King has conducted over the past 50 years about what it means to be “Indian” in North America. Rich with dark and light, pain and magic, this book distills the insights gleaned from that meditation, weaving the curiously circular tale of the relationship between non-Natives and Natives in the centuries since the two first encountered each other.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Angry, embarrassed, disgusted, horrified, nauseous, scared and so so sad, but hopeful and now informed.
- By Shantelle Lamouche on 2021-01-18
Written by: Thomas King
-
True Reconciliation
- How to Be a Force for Change
- Written by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
- Narrated by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 43
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 38
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 37
There is one question Canadians have asked Jody Wilson-Raybould more than any other: What can I do to help advance reconciliation? This has been true from her time as a leader of British Columbia’s First Nations, as a Member of Parliament, as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, within business communities, and when having conversations with people. Whether speaking as individuals, communities, organizations, or governments, people want to take concrete and tangible action that will make real change. They just need to know how to get started, or to take the next step.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Important historical context
- By Anonymous User on 2025-01-31
Written by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
-
You Are the Medicine
- 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance
- Written by: Asha Frost
- Narrated by: Asha Frost
- Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 53
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 46
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 46
The Medicine you have been searching for lives within you. Follow the path of the 13 Ojibwe Moons with Animal Spirits and Ancestors as your guides as you unlock your connection to your own unique, inherent healing power. Through storytelling, ceremonies, and Shamanic journeys, learn to apply ancient wisdom to your life in ways that are respectful and conscious of the stolen lands, lives, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A Powerful Healing Journey
- By Amazon Customer on 2022-06-22
Written by: Asha Frost
-
Gathering Moss
- A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses
- Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Narrated by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 218
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 194
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 193
Living at the limits of our ordinary perception, mosses are a common but largely unnoticed element of the natural world. Gathering Moss is a beautifully written mix of science and personal reflection that invites listeners to explore and learn from the elegantly simple lives of mosses.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Beautiful voice
- By Tanya on 2020-10-06
Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
-
The Serviceberry
- Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Narrated by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
- Length: 1 hr and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 10
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 10
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 10
As Indigenous scientist and author of Braiding Sweetgrass Robin Wall Kimmerer harvests serviceberries alongside the birds, she considers the ethic of reciprocity that lies at the heart of the gift economy. How, she asks, can we learn from Indigenous wisdom and the plant world to reimagine what we value most? Our economy is rooted in scarcity, competition, and the hoarding of resources, and we have surrendered our values to a system that actively harms what we love. Meanwhile, the serviceberry’s relationship with the natural world is an embodiment of reciprocity.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
An excellent read!
- By Gardener Phyl on 2024-11-19
Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer
-
21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act
- Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality
- Written by: Bob Joseph
- Narrated by: Sage Isaac
- Length: 3 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 655
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 528
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 527
Based on a viral article, 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act is the essential guide to understanding the legal document and its repercussion on generations of Indigenous peoples, written by a leading cultural sensitivity trainer. The Indian Act, after 141 years, continues to shape, control, and constrain the lives and opportunities of Indigenous peoples, and is at the root of many lasting stereotypes.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Essentially Canadian - Must Read.
- By Marcel Molin on 2019-08-23
Written by: Bob Joseph
-
The Inconvenient Indian
- A Curious Account of Native People in North America
- Written by: Thomas King
- Narrated by: Lorne Cardinal
- Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 920
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 799
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 793
The Inconvenient Indian is at once a “history” and the complete subversion of a history - in short, a critical and personal meditation that the remarkable Thomas King has conducted over the past 50 years about what it means to be “Indian” in North America. Rich with dark and light, pain and magic, this book distills the insights gleaned from that meditation, weaving the curiously circular tale of the relationship between non-Natives and Natives in the centuries since the two first encountered each other.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Angry, embarrassed, disgusted, horrified, nauseous, scared and so so sad, but hopeful and now informed.
- By Shantelle Lamouche on 2021-01-18
Written by: Thomas King
-
True Reconciliation
- How to Be a Force for Change
- Written by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
- Narrated by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 43
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 38
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 37
There is one question Canadians have asked Jody Wilson-Raybould more than any other: What can I do to help advance reconciliation? This has been true from her time as a leader of British Columbia’s First Nations, as a Member of Parliament, as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, within business communities, and when having conversations with people. Whether speaking as individuals, communities, organizations, or governments, people want to take concrete and tangible action that will make real change. They just need to know how to get started, or to take the next step.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Important historical context
- By Anonymous User on 2025-01-31
Written by: Jody Wilson-Raybould
-
You Are the Medicine
- 13 Moons of Indigenous Wisdom, Ancestral Connection, and Animal Spirit Guidance
- Written by: Asha Frost
- Narrated by: Asha Frost
- Length: 7 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 53
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 46
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 46
The Medicine you have been searching for lives within you. Follow the path of the 13 Ojibwe Moons with Animal Spirits and Ancestors as your guides as you unlock your connection to your own unique, inherent healing power. Through storytelling, ceremonies, and Shamanic journeys, learn to apply ancient wisdom to your life in ways that are respectful and conscious of the stolen lands, lives, and traditions of Indigenous peoples.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A Powerful Healing Journey
- By Amazon Customer on 2022-06-22
Written by: Asha Frost
-
Debt - Updated and Expanded
- The First 5,000 Years
- Written by: David Graeber
- Narrated by: Grover Gardner
- Length: 17 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 198
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 164
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 160
Here, anthropologist David Graeber presents a stunning reversal of conventional wisdom: He shows that before there was money, there was debt. For more than 5,000 years, since the beginnings of the first agrarian empires, humans have used elaborate credit systems to buy and sell goods - that is, long before the invention of coins or cash. It is in this era, Graeber argues, that we also first encounter a society divided into debtors and creditors.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Interesting but heavy
- By Sohaib Shahid on 2021-01-01
Written by: David Graeber
-
Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults
- Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
- Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer, Monique Gray Smith - adapter
- Narrated by: Monique Gray Smith
- Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 1
-
Performance0 out of 5 stars 0
-
Story0 out of 5 stars 0
Drawing from her experiences as an Indigenous scientist, botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer demonstrated how all living things—from strawberries and witch hazel to water lilies and lichen—provide us with gifts and lessons every day in her bestselling book Braiding Sweetgrass. Adapted for young adults by Monique Gray Smith, this new edition reinforces how wider ecological understanding stems from listening to the earth's oldest teachers: the plants around us.
Written by: Robin Wall Kimmerer, and others
-
One Drum
- Stories and Ceremonies for a Planet
- Written by: Richard Wagamese
- Narrated by: Christian Baskous
- Length: 4 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 164
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 143
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 142
One Drum draws from the foundational teachings of Ojibway tradition, the Grandfather Teachings. Focusing specifically on the lessons of humility, respect, and courage, the volume contains simple ceremonies that anyone anywhere can do, alone or in a group, to foster harmony and connection. Wagamese believed that there is a shaman in each of us, that we are all teachers, and in the world of the spirit, there is no right way or wrong way.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Engaging and thoughtful
- By Anonymous User on 2020-01-09
Written by: Richard Wagamese
-
Indigenomics
- Taking a Seat at the Economic Table
- Written by: Carol Anne Hilton
- Narrated by: Denise Halfyard
- Length: 10 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 11
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 9
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 9
It is time. It is time to increase the visibility, role, and responsibility of the emerging modern indigenous economy and the people involved. This is the foundation for economic reconciliation. This is indigenomics. Indigenomics lays out the tenets of the emerging indigenous economy, built around relationships, multigenerational stewardship of resources, and care for all.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Jenny - Tsilhqot’in Nation
- By kevin on 2021-10-11
Written by: Carol Anne Hilton
-
Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do Is Ask
- Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings
- Written by: Mary Siisip Geniusz, Wendy Makoons Geniusz - editor
- Narrated by: Wendy Makoons Geniusz
- Length: 10 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 3
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 3
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 3
Mary Siisip Geniusz has spent more than thirty years working with, living with, and using the Anishinaabe teachings, recipes, and botanical information, she shares in Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do Is Ask. Geniusz gained much of the knowledge she writes about from her years as an oshkaabewis, a traditionally trained apprentice, and as friend to the late Keewaydinoquay, an Anishinaabe medicine woman from the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan and a scholar, teacher, and practitioner in the field of native ethnobotany.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
LOVE this book!
- By Jaclyn on 2024-04-26
Written by: Mary Siisip Geniusz, and others
-
Silent Spring
- Written by: Rachel Carson
- Narrated by: Susie Berneis
- Length: 10 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 23
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 18
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 18
Conservationist Rachel Carson spent over six years documenting the effects on DDT, a synthetic organic compound used as an insecticide, on numerous communities. Her analysis revealed that such powerful, persistent chemical pesticides have been used without a full understanding of the extent of their potential harm to the whole biota, including the damage they've caused to wildlife, birds, bees, agricultural animals, domestic pets, and even humans. An instant best seller that was read by President Kennedy during the summer of 1962, this classic remains one of the best introductions to the complicated and controversial subject.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Still relevant today
- By KL on 2019-08-11
Written by: Rachel Carson
Editorial Review
It is only by understanding what came before that we can truly understand ourselves. Braiding Sweetgrass is a moving and beautiful book by Robin Wall Kimmerer that looks at the teachings of plants, from both a botanist’s perspective and a spiritual point of view. Robin Kimmerer is an indigenous scientist and member of the citizen Potawatomi nation. Drawing on an understanding of ecology and a deep scientific knowledge, Kimmerer explores Indigenous wisdom which celebrates the beauty, history and lessons that can be learned in the natural world. An intelligent blending of Native American and science, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants addresses ecological consciousness and the impact that the natural world has on us as humans. Kimmerer's book is both a non-fiction study of plants and a spirit-based reflection on being connected to all living things and affirming their role in the larger circle of life. By acknowledging the living world as an entity in itself, Kimmerer views plants as the universe's oldest teachers. She uses this understanding of nature, as seen by indigenous people, to explore feelings of deep compassion, connection and knowledge associated with the natural world. This audiobook adaptation is narrated by Kimmerer herself, which allows her passion and voice to shine through the work and connect with the listener on a deeper level. Her warm, understanding spirit shines through with both her words and her performance right through to the last page. Named by Literary Hub as the best essay collection of the decade and a New York Times best seller, Braiding Sweetgrass effortlessly moves through each essay to create a large picture and understanding of indigenous science and wisdom. Lovers of this audiobook will also enjoy Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses.
Related Collections
What listeners say about Braiding Sweetgrass
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amanda H
- 2019-12-28
Everyone should listen to this!
This was the perfect audio book. The author/narrator has such incredible insight, wisdom, knowledge and perspective to share. And listening to her voice share her words was beyond beautiful. If I had to use just one word to describe this audio book, I would choose " healing".
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mary
- 2018-08-16
beautiful integration
weaving together Indigenous wisdom and modern science isn't easy but Wall Kimmerer Makes It seem so with her beautiful storytelling. this is part spiritual treatise and part scientific exploration of the world inspiring us all to develop healthier relationships with our elder brothers the plants and animals Wall Kimmerer so respects and explains to us.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Chari
- 2019-02-16
This should be required reading
From the very first words, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s melodious, soothing, sensual voice wraps tightly around you, pulling you into a mysterious world where magic still exists, not letting go of you until you are desperate to banish the Windigo from your life and return to a more natural, balanced and reciprocal existence. This is a must read for everyone searching for serenity, everyone feeling lost. If the world is spinning too fast for you, Braiding Sweetgrass shows the way to offer thanksgiving and live your best life.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Peach and Daisy
- 2019-06-18
Beautiful
A beautiful gift, that all who read must reciprocate with change, and following the grass path.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mia Moutray
- 2021-03-18
This.
This book is transformational, essential, change making and profound. I don't have enough words to share with the world about this incredible piece of writing. It has changed my life: how I view and interact with nature, my own life and all my relations. Kimmerer's soothing voice is poetic, calming and deeply wise. Even though I have read the book and listened to it many times, it also is my grounding tool, my sleeping aid and anxiety relief. This is by far the one book I can't live without. You need to read this and notice how Kimmerer's wisdom impacts you. I doubt anyone can read this without being forever changed.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2020-01-31
Beautiful Lyrical story for everyone
Robin tells her story in a beautifully lyrical way. I don't think I could appreciate the book as much in print as I do audio. Audio has the essence of Robin's indigenous oral tradition. The book is easy to follow for everyone and enriching for both ecologist and non-ecologist. A great book.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wendy
- 2020-06-02
Like a Magnet
Like a Magnet, this book drew me in. Listening to Robin narrate her own writing enhanced a personal and sensitive element to her reflections. The organization of chapters with separate themes allowed me to read each in time, reflecting on the many perspectives that Robin focuses on. Gracefully presented and thoughtfully organized, this book is a beauty. Its messages will stay with me for a lifetime.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Josie Fast
- 2021-10-27
Amazing book!!
This book should be required reading for every person living in North America. The wisdom, understanding and kindness that flows from the author is inspiring. My perspective on Mother Earth has completely changed and I am forever grateful for Robin Wall Kinneret and her dedication to her gift of writing. Thank you for sharing this precious gift with me.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rae
- 2022-01-21
if you're human, read this book
narrated with heart, beauty AND science Braiding Sweetgrass is both a heart warming and heart breaking narrative of humanity and land/land use. Although I am Canadian and of a completely different nation with different language, I found so much symmetry in the teachings expressed in this book and similar experiences in the loss of connection to landamd beings. Such an important book in this time of global change.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Lauren
- 2021-06-13
I will read this book many times!
A beautiful marriage of science and Indigenous wisdom sharing the story of the connection of humans to land. Everyone should read this book!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!