As we slide into the second half of summer and plans solidify for Fall 2023 courses and programs, the WSU Common Reading Program invites you to consider ways to incorporate Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants,” which is being used for a second year across the WSU system. Retaining this title for a second year — a first in the program’s 17‑year history — is allowing for revision of the book selection timeline and also will take advantage of numerous related events occurring across WSU in the next year. This title also allows continued free digital access for all students, faculty, and staff through the WSU libraries as well as use of the extensive WSU teaching guide created to highlight ways to use “Braiding Sweetgrass” to address WSU learning goals as well as to introduce students to local resources.
The Common Reading Program welcomes suggestions about events to consider. In addition, if your unit or program is planning to host any events, speakers, or activities that relate to the environmental and cultural issues raised by “Braiding Sweetgrass,” let us know so we can add them to the calendar. See commonreading.wsu.edu for links to the e‑copy, teaching guide, and program information. Questions about the program or ideas for events and collaborations can be directed to Karen Weathermon at kweathermon@wsu.edu.
