Culture

Parks as Mechanism to Protect Cultural and Biological Diversity

Land Use Designations: Definitions, Descriptions, and Legislation (April 2013, Revised in September 2013)
Researched and written on behalf of Friends of the Nemaiah Valley by Maggie M. Paquet, MAIA BioLogics

Nabas Oral Literature

2012: Nabas Oral Literature Document by Linda Smith

Between October 2011 and September 2012, Linda Smith worked on a collaborative research study on the area known as Nabas, which is within the traditional caretaker area of the Yunesit'in and Xeni Gwet'in First Nations territories. This is a very personal and moving document of the connection to land and culture that is essential to understand.

Linda writes, "In my mind, everything is connected. We are Nenqayni, and Tsilhqot’in have been connected to their lands for many generations, and Tsilhqot’in elders would say this connection has been there since time began. The land is what makes us complete; it is an extension of our body and our soul; it is what gives us joy; it is what gives us security; it protects us; it feeds us; it comforts us; it heals us; it is Our Mother. We love our land and its life forms. Like an infant away from its mother, most Tsilhqot’in feel lost elsewhere, and we miss our landscapes."

The nutritious springtime candy of people and animals in British Columbia

2011: The nutritious springtime candy of people and animals in British Columbia: Lodgepole pine cambium (Pinus contorta Douglas ex Louden var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) Dilbone, Megan

Many First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest historically used lodgepole pine cambium. It was so popular among interior First Peoples of British Columbia that it was considered a universal food. Even though harvesting and consumption of pine cambium is diminishing in popularity today, I was able to learn from some Tsilhqot‟in First Peoples on Redstone Reserve who had prior experience with pine cambium. Nutritional analysis of lodgepole pine cambium revealed the tissues to be high in protein and sugar as well as a suite of micronutrients, which contribute to overall immunity and electrolyte balance. While lodgepole pine cambium is considered a sweet, seasonal treat by many First Peoples it is evident through my analysis that there are added nutritional benefits beyond the pleasure of consumption. This research illustrates an important case study of an endangered traditional food, which can be integrated into modern diets today. It also explores the integration of multiple disciplines of knowledge to inform this subject matter, providing multiple dimensions to understanding cambium production, timing of harvest, and benefit of consumption.