Ecological and Cultural Restoration of an iconic Plant Food (Fritillaria camschatcensis) in the Squamish River Estuary, British Columbia

I am a member of the Squamish Nation and my research focuses on restoring an important traditional plant food into the Squamish estuary. The title of my research is "Ecological and Cultural Restoration of an iconic Plant Food (Fritillaria camschatcensis) in the Squamish River Estuary, British Columbia." I will be working with Dr. Nancy Turner and Dr. Trevor Lantz as my co-supervisors at the University of Victoria to undertake this research as part of a larger research project led by Dr. Turner called "Bringing the Foods Home" that focuses on renewing traditional foods in Indigenous communities. My research will focus on conducting an ecological survey of the Squamish estuary to characterize successful riceroot habitat and then to construct an experimental garden where this plant can be tended to and used for educational purposes. I will incorporate community involvement throughout this research and emphasize the link between traditional foods and health.

Faculty Supervisor:

Dr. Nancy Turner & Dr. Trevor Lantz

Student:

Leigh Joseph

Partner:

Squamish Nation Education Department

Discipline:

Environmental sciences

Sector:

Fisheries and wildlife

University:

University of Victoria