This summer, W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council (W̱LC) made significant progress on the Salish Sea Garden Project, an initiative focused on using traditional methods to restore sea gardens in the Salish Sea.
The Sea Garden Project began in 2015 as a collaboration between Parks Canada and a working group of W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge holders, including Aaron Sam Sr., Tom Smith, Rob Sampson, J,SIṈTEN (John Elliott), Carl Olsen, James Jimmy, Gus Jimmy, Lawrence Bartleman, Albert Smith, Brandon Wilson, Blaine Wilson and the Pauquachin Marine Team.
The Project began with a pilot restoration project called the Clam Garden initiative, which yielded positive results and paved the way for additional work. Now, the working group is focused on restoring W̱SÁNEĆ’s direct stewardship over the sea gardens and improving the health of the sea gardens to ensure W̱SÁNEĆ can rely on the gardens as a safe place to harvest traditional foods.
To further these goals, the working group engaged in several restoration projects this summer.
First, the working group had the privilege of participating in Pauquachin Seawall Days. There, the group helped with the revitalization and cultivation of the beaches – including turning sediment over to help the clams grow and bring oxygen into the soil – and networked with aligned individuals from around the world. W̱LC’s working group formed connections with groups from Alaska, Washington, Hawaii, and even New Zealand.
The group also worked alongside many other South Island Nations to support the Malahat Nation Seawall on two separate occasions. Together, restoration workers repaired the seawall and cleaned the beach.
Similarly, the group repaired one of the oldest existing seawalls – the Fulford Harbour Seawall – which is 4500 years old. During the repair process, the group noticed the tide pool water was not escaping the wall as it is meant to. To fix this, the group worked together to create another escape hatch to allow the water to flow as intended.
Finally, the group harvested oysters, manilla clams, and butter clams throughout the summer. The group plans to harvest in Bamberton and North of Coles Bay on September 13th and 14th. Harvested shellfish will be available for the community. Reach out to Marla (marla.sampson@wsanec.com) at W̱LC’s office if you’re interested in receiving harvested shellfish.
As an organization dedicated to promoting respect for W̱SÁNEĆ culture, traditional practices, and language, W̱LC celebrates the Salish Sea Garden Project’s success restoring traditional food sources, revitalizing traditional knowledge, and reestablishing W̱SÁNEĆ’s connection to the land. W̱LC looks forward to continuing these restoration initiatives to further support the community and the environment.
To stay up to date on the Salish Sea Garden Project and all other W̱LC initiatives, be sure to sign up for W̱LC’s newsletter.
