Skwálwen Botanicals

My name is Leigh Joseph, and I am the founder of S?wálwen Botanicals, an Indigenous-owned skincare company grounded in the teachings and traditions of my Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. This business grew from my desire to heal the intergenerational trauma our community has experienced by revitalizing and sharing plant knowledge passed down through our ancestors.

At S?wálwen, we create products with great care using many botanicals native to our traditional territories—plants like nettle, rosehip, devil's club and yarrow. Every product carries a Squamish name to honour the land and language that have sustained us for generations. We blend ancestral knowledge with modern science to provide clean, safe skincare that respects people and the earth. Our collection includes facial oils, serums, balms, and cleansers—all crafted in small batches and free from harsh chemicals.

But for me, S?wálwen is more than skincare. It's about reconnecting people to the plants and culture that have always been here. We gather ingredients with gratitude and follow protocols to protect the land. Beyond products, we offer workshops that teach ethical harvesting and Indigenous wellness, working alongside Elders and knowledge keepers to keep our culture alive and thriving.

Giving back to the land and Indigenous communities is at the heart of our work. Through our philanthropic partnerships, S?wálwen elevates Indigenous communities and shines a light on the strength and resilience of Indigenous peoples. We give throughout each year to initiatives through our Ceremony Series, a special offering of small batch, handmade skincare and wellness experiences. A portion of proceeds from each Ceremony release is donated to organizations that support Indigenous causes spanning the environment, food security, arts and education, shelter, outdoor programs and more. We also give back through the Hiýá? Project ~ a collaboration with Satinflower Nurseries that facilitates thousands of seeds planted on Indigenous lands.

What sets S?wálwen apart is our deep purpose. To me, success means lifting Indigenous voices, creating jobs for community members, and fostering healing—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. That's why I am in the process of establishing the Skwálwen Indigenous Botany Society, a non-profit that will be dedicated to protecting native plants and sharing Indigenous plant knowledge through education and land restoration. Once established, it will provide youth and community members with a meaningful space to connect with their culture and the land in a deeply grounded way.

Being nominated for the Squamish Chamber of Commerce Indigenous Business Award is incredibly meaningful for me. This honour recognizes not only what S?wálwen Botanicals stands for, but also the broader mission of Indigenous cultural resurgence and healing.

S?wálwen Botanicals is an expression of resilience, care, and connection. I am proud to carry forward this work, honouring my ancestors and serving my community. This award would amplify those efforts and inspire others to see the power and importance of Indigenous-led business in Squamish and beyond.