| GF researcher Ann Garibaldi talking with Secwepemc elder Dr. Mary Thomas about her research at the estuary of the Salmon river at Salmon Arm, looking at an aerial photo.
|
| Arrowhead, or wapato (Sagittaria latifolia), a plant that used to be common on this research site, and is no longer found there; a traditional root vegetable of the Shuswap, or Secwepemc people.
Nancy turner |
| |
| Investigators |
| Ann Garibaldi, M.Sc. Candidate, School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria
Dr. Nancy Turner, School of Environmental Studies, University of Victoria
|
What is the Issue? |
| INVESTIGATION AND RESTORATION OF A TRADITIONAL FOOD PLANT |
|
Wetlands are recognized as areas of high biodiversity and are important sites for wildlife breeding and foraging as well as cultural activities. Disturbance of wetland sites pose challenges to the growth and reproduction of plants, and changes the accessibility of the areas. First Peoples have long relied on wetlands as a reliable source of food gathering and hunting, and their cultural relationship to the wetlands declines with the ecological health of these areas. Restoration of native plant species is essential to reestablishing biodiversity and cultural practice. Wapato tubers (S. Larifolia) were once widespread and an important food source for the Secwepemc people. Replanting this plant in conjunction with a restoration project and a documentation of the traditional use of wapato, will highlight cultural ecological knowledge and provide a basis for understanding the ecology and function of a wetland system. |
What is our goal? |
| HABITAT RESTORATION
|
Where we currently stand. |
| This project intends to record a detailed account of traditional use of a wetland system near Salmon Arm, BC and to restore a population of Sagittaria latifolia for traditional use. Interviews with Secwepemc elder, Mary Thomas, will form a record of historical use. Fieldwork in the wetland will commence in spring 2001, and selected sites will be replanted at the completion of the fieldwork, expected in the fall of 2002. A master's thesis and at least two papers published in peer reviewed journals will be produced at the end of the study. |
You can help this project - find out how. |
|
