THE APOTHECARY
TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE IN MODERN TIMES
We are an Authentic indigenous wellness company steeped in traditional teachings, values, and customs.. Plant medicine is an important part of our history and our foundation is built on ancestral knowledge and old world medicine. We believe in in the importance of mother earth for our health and wellbeing.. Standing Spruce carries a wide range of wildcrafted products, remedies and skin care ; including : healing face and body oils, balms, sprays and skin toners, as well as botanically infused cold pressed soaps, and Canadian natural essential oils.. Custom formulations and requests are always welcome, whether it be physical or spiritual in nature - contact us to find out more
LESLEY ASSU | INDIGENOUS FOUNDER AND OWNER
TAASKIINGUNGJAATS, "THE SINGING SANDS WOMAN"
My name is Lesley Assu, and I am proud to be a member of the Haida nation. I am a local Haida witch, herbalist, and mother who firmly believes in the healing power of old world medicine, the wisdom of plants, and the spirits of the trees. I was raised in the traditional ways of both Haida Gwaii and my father's community, We Wai Kai, which instilled in me a deep connection to the land and sea.
For me, traditional medicine is not just a business, but a way of life. It encompasses my entire being and is a practice that I share with my family and communities. I am blessed to be a mother to two children, Daala (which means "the rain" in Haida) and SGaalan (which means "the yellow cedar" in Haida), as well as a loving aunt to my two nephews, Aliwas and Ember. As I continue to grow and develop Standing Spruce, my brand of traditional medicine, I am also passing down the knowledge and practice of harvesting medicine to my children and nephews.
The teachings I have received from my elders are invaluable, and I am committed to ensuring that this knowledge is preserved for future generations, especially for our future Matriarchs. That's why sustainability is at the heart of everything I do. When crafting my products, I carefully consider the impact on the environment and strive to create offerings that are in harmony with nature, keeping in mind the well-being of our communities and future generations.
I am proud to be Lesley Assu, a mother, a witch, an herbalist, and a steward of traditional medicine. Through Standing Spruce, I am not only providing healing remedies, but also passing down the wisdom of our ancestors and fostering a deep connection to the land and sea for generations to come.
LESLEY IS ONE OF THE ONLY INDIGENOUS FARMERS IN THE TERRITORY
THE FARM
As one of the only "indigenous farmers" in our area, I began our journey towards food security with the belief that we could do something meaningful and that there was "a better way" than large scale/commercial farming. Our goal was to provide clean ethical food, honey and crops not only to ourselves, but also to friends, family, and eventually our community. Raising animals with empathy is of the utmost importance here on the farm. Chickens along with our own honey bees, food, and medicinal garden keep us fairly busy - but above all, happy.
At our farm we have always operated on a zero waste policy, using all aspects of our farm and botanicals in our products including honey which is harvested, and beeswax used by our apothecary in lip balms, remedies, and skin care.
