The book begins with revealing the backstory to the Skywoman, the first women who brought plants, including sweetgrass, to the world. The narrator discusses the importance of certain plants and why sustainability should be brought to greater awareness.
The narrator then goes on to discuss how her indigenous identity often clashes with her scientific. The story then progresses through the narrator's life and the simple ways she interacts with nature, such as by making her own maple syrup and cleaning the algae from a pond.
The story then shifts to that of the Three Sisters plants grown by the indigenous people. After visiting a friend, the narrator learns to weave sweetgrass baskets, which is looked upon with scorn by the faculty committee at the university. She then pursues teaching her Christian students about respecting the land, and she teaches them about indigenous culture and traits.
Throughout the book, the narrator discusses many ideologies and mythological stories, such as that of the story of Nanabozho, who strives to bring balance to the world at all times, and the Mayan creation stories.
The story ends with the narrator attending a gift giving ceremony and having hope in the world.
