About Us

A Reclamation of Skin Health

Before there was a conversation about clean, green and natural skincare, there were communities of Indigenous womxn who cultivated and foraged for plants in the forests and meadows to use as food and medicine. Instructed by cultural teachings, they identified the plants that, when blended together, could unlock health and healing.

Today, Sḵwálwen (skwall-win) is an Indigenous skincare line that honors Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) plant knowledge and ancestral traditions by using sustainably harvested and sourced organic plants to balance, renew, repair, strengthen, hydrate and protect the skin. Sḵwálwen is the Squamish word for heart. Each product has a Squamish name to honor the place where this plant knowledge comes from.

Meet Our Founder

Steward. Storyteller. Scientist.

A protector of the collective and a keeper of knowledge, Dr. Leigh Joseph, PhD, whose ancestral name is Styawat, is the ethnobotanist, researcher, activist, and Indigenous founder of Sḵwálwen. She is also a mother and wife, a daughter and community leader whose aim is to help heal the intergenerational effects of cultural trauma within the Squamish Nation by learning, working with and preserving Indigenous plants, and carrying them forward into the modern world.

Weaving together the wisdom passed down through her ancestors and the knowledge gained through her academic career, Leigh acts as a living bridge between past and present, plants and people.

Leigh approaches the natural world gently and respectfully, harvesting with techniques that are ethical and sustainable. Each batch of botanical-based products carries the richness and potency of the natural world, without any harsh chemicals, phthalates, synthetics or parabens.

Sḵwálwen represents more than skincare. It is a ceremonial offering of Indigenous plant wisdom that keeps ancestral tradition alive.

Stewards Of The Land

In harmony with the teachings of our Sḵwx̱wú7mesh ancestors, our Sustainability and Regenerative Practices reflect our deepest commitment to the Earth, her abundant gifts, and the generations yet to come.

Sustainably Hand-Harvested or Sourced

Each plant ingredient in our line is honored with love, respect, and an understanding of the intricate rhythms of nature. We follow the seasons, the lunar cycles, and the wisdom of our ancestors to select plants at their peak potency while ensuring their continued abundance.

Regeneratively Harvested

We don't just take from the land; we give back, honoring the principle of reciprocity. By regenerative practices, we ensure the life-giving cycles of the plants continue unbroken, without undue pressure on wild plant populations. We foster the growth of new plants and nurture the land that nourishes them.

Indigenous Supply Chain

In alignment with our commitment to community and kinship, we strive to build an Indigenous supply chain. We are proud to collaborate with other local growers, fostering a network of support and mutual growth. Together, we ensure the legacy of our ancestors thrives, rooted in the shared love for our lands and traditions.

Native Botanicals

Our focus remains steadfast on the botanicals native to our Squamish Nation lands, the plants that have thrived in the soil of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh territory for generations. Each product embodies the spirit of our homeland, a tangible connection to the land that nourishes us all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you cruelty free?

Yes, we are cruelty-free. Sourcing from suppliers that are cruelty-free is a priority for us.

Are your products vegan?

The majority of our products are vegan with the exception of our Kw'as Cocomint Lip Balm and our Botanical Salves. These products contain beeswax.

Do you harvest all of your botanicals?

Due to the nature of our growing business, we are not able to sustainably and ethically hand harvest all of the botanicals we use in our products. We hand harvest materials as a team here in Squamish, BC and source from local suppliers.

Is your packaging recyclable?

Yes! All of our cartons are FSC certified and recyclable. Our products are packaged in recyclable glass and our tea bags can be composted.

Do you have a storefront?

Yes. Our Store and Headquarters is located in Squamish BC. Our address is 37756 3rd Ave. We are open Monday through Friday: 9:30am-4:30pm and Saturdays 11am - 3pm.