Secwe´pemc-led monitoring and restoration in fire-adapted landscapes: revitalizing roles as yecwmi´nmen

This project is in partnership with the Secwepemcúl’ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society, founded by eight Secwépemc First Nations to advance Secwépemc-led restoration and sustainable stewardship of lands and resources throughout Secwepecúl’ecw (the traditional territory of the Secwépemc Nation). Guided by the Secwépemc concept of ‘walking on two legs’, our project advances a novel pathway of Indigenous-led monitoring and restoration in BC’s fire-affected and fire-adapted landscapes. Through interdisciplinary and Indigenous-led research we will work with Secwépemc Elders, heritage keepers and natural resource and cultural heritage staff to achieve three interconnected objectives. Specifically, we will document the effects of wildfire and post-fire forest recovery activities on traditional foods and medicines; develop a culturally relevant framework, including protocols, for monitoring cultural heritage resources and to promote Secwépemc participation in forest stewardship; and revitalize Secwépemc knowledge and practices of fire and plant stewardship in order to inform alternative forest management and restoration strategies. By walking on two legs, our project will also respectfully draw on both Secwépemc knowledges and western sciences in service of elevating Secwépemc stewardship goals and supporting Secwépemc communities (re)assert jurisdiction over cultural heritage management throughout their territories.

Faculty Supervisor:

Lori Daniels

Student:

Partner:

Secwepemcúl'ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society

Discipline:

Sociology

Sector:

Sustainability & the Environment; Social Innovation; Agriculture and Food

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: