Indigenous Knowledge Throughout The Gardens
Overall, our work to elevate the gardens focused on making the space more inclusive, educational, and engaging by centering Indigenous perspectives that were previously missing. We built upon the existing native plant tour by adding deeper cultural context, including the medicinal, communal, and ritualistic uses of the plants, as well as their Indigenous significance.
To make this information more accessible to a wider audience, we developed both digital and non-digital components. This included creating QR codes placed throughout the garden that link to educational content, as well as designing a printed pamphlet so visitors can still participate in the tour without needing a phone. By combining these formats, we made the experience more interactive and inclusive for different types of visitors. You can also access these native plants through their website.
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/plantfindersearch.aspx
Another important part of our work was focusing on community engagement and collaboration. We worked closely with garden partners, our team, and stakeholders to ensure the information was accurate, respectful, and meaningful. Our goal was not just to inform visitors, but to raise awareness and encourage appreciation for Indigenous knowledge and its connection to the environment.
Reflecting on this project, I feel like it really showed how important it is to be intentional about whose voices are being represented. Before this, I never fully realized how something like a plant tour could be missing such an important perspective. It also made me more aware of the responsibility we have when sharing cultural information, especially making sure it is done respectfully and accurately. I think this experience helped me grow not only in terms of teamwork and communication, but also in understanding the importance of inclusivity in educational spaces.
In the end, our project helped transform the garden experience into something more than just a visual tour, it became an opportunity for learning, reflection, and connection to Indigenous culture and history.
1. Add Indigenous Naming Alongside Scientific Labels
How it elevates: Challenges Western-only perspectives and makes your tour more inclusive.
- Echinacea purpurea
- Scientific name: Echinacea purpurea
- Indigenous name(s): (explain if known)
- Use: Traditionally used for immune support
2. Turn Each Stop Into a Mini Story
How it elevates: Makes the tour engaging and memorable instead of informational only.
3. Include an Interactive Guessing Activity
How it elevates: Gets your audience involved instead of passively listening.
4. Directly Address the Colonial History
How it elevates: (Adds depth and critical thinking ).
5. Redesign What a “Plant Label” Means
How it elevates: Connects directly to your solution and shows innovation.
Example of an improved label:
- Scientific name
- Indigenous name
- Traditional uses
- Cultural significance
- Region/tribe connected
6. Emphasize Collaboration, Not Just Critique
How it elevates: Shows solutions, not just problems.
7. End With a Strong Takeaway
How it elevates: Leaves your audience thinking beyond the tour.
8. Add a Sensory Element (Easy Upgrade)
How it elevates: Makes the experience memorable.
Example:
- Let visitors smell herbs
- Point out textures
- Describe how plants were prepared (tea, paste, etc.)
-Evitt Nashed