By Stephanie Hughes.
The Hesquiaht Nation has a plan to re-establish the historical gardens which were established by many of the community members’ grandparents. The original gardens contained many plant species that are indigenous to the region and are used by the Nation for medicinal and spiritual practices, as well as food. These gardens also incorporated introduced species that were brought over by European settlers, such as potatoes, carrots, beans, and squashes. Many of these gardens are still identifiable despite the fact that they have been neglected for several decades. The Nation also plans to establish berry arbours, a practice of training vines along a structure to increase productivity and yield. Sea food has been identified as a priority traditional food resource. The restoration of clam beds, mussel beds, tutt-suup gathering locations, kelp and seaweed beds and drying areas, and salmon habitat are all important aspects of a balanced traditional diet and have been identified on the map as part of the Comprehensive Garden Plan.
Locations for newly established community gardens/orchards/greenhouses range from the school in the community, to Cougar Annie’s garden, to Hesquiaht Harbour. The Comprehensive Garden Plan is the next step in the Cha-me-ta Ha-uuk (Eating the Right Way) Project.
The Comprehensive Garden Plan has an integrated Elders and Youth strategy to ensure long-term success. The traditional gardens will provide a “culturally appropriate, nutritionally sound diet through and economically and environmentally sustainable food system that promotes community self-reliance and social justice.” (Community Food Security Definition: Community Food Security Coalition)
- Stephanie Hughes, Clayoquot Project Coordinator
This article originally appeared on Ecotrust Canada's blog, Conservation Economy.
