The plant is widely used by many Indigenous peoples as it has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of ailments. It has medicinal, practical, ceremonial and spiritual uses in Coastal First Nation groups. The many medicinal purposes of this plant vary among cultural groups, though most traditional medicines utilize the roots, and green inner bark of the branch or stalk.

It’s cold and flu season – so give your immune system a boost with a traditional medicine of elderberry syrup. The red elderberry (th’iwuq’) is native to Vancouver Island and has been harvested by the Coast Salish people for millennia. Huy ch q'a to Kristin Thomas (Halalt) for her recipe!