Pathways to Revitalize Indigenous Shellfish Harvest

For thousands of years, Semiahmoo First Nation, like other Coast Salish communities have and continue to be deeply connected to the sea. Historically abundant fisheries including bivalve shellfish, such as clams, oysters and mussels, are respected as relations as well as depended on for food security; interactions with these creatures and ecosystems have formed the rhythms of daily and seasonal life. Since 1962, shellfish harvest has been prohibited in Boundary Bay, the waters surrounding Semiahmoo First Nation reserve lands, due to upland pollution. This prohibition has disconnected Semiahmah people from their traditional food sources and cultural practices for two generations. This project aims to explore potential pathways towards revitalizing Indigenous shellfish harvest in Boundary Bay to benefit Semiahmoo First Nation and the Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians. Innovative solutions will be drawn by taking a holistic systems-thinking approach and by pursuing Indigenous self-determination through participatory film and storytelling.

Faculty Supervisor:

Sarah Marie Wiebe;Rob Lapper

Student:

Partner:

Salish Sea Indigenous Guardians Association

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: