Cascade NTFP Regional Profile.pdf - First Nations in British ...

Cascades NTFP Profile
pre-contact and post-contact times. These systems have been well described in Deur and
Turner (2005) for coastal First Nations and involve management activities of various
intensities that include planting, weeding, burning, pruning and other activities.
Berry species with well recognised values as NTFRs include the black huckleberry, oval
leaved blueberry (V. ovalifolium), grouseberry (V. scoparium), Saskatoon, Kinnikinnick
(Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), soopalalie (Shepherdia canadensis), black raspberry (Rubus
leucodermis), red raspberry (R. idaeus), thimbleberry (R. parviflorum) and Oregon grape
(Mahonia aquifolium). In contemporary times the black huckleberry has seen a rapid
increase in popularity due to its excellent flavour and value as a nutraceutical. The
popularity of the black huckleberry has generated conflict in the northern US and southeastern
BC between First Nations, recreational harvesters and commercial harvesters
(Gayton 2000; Forest Practices Board 2004; Richards 2006). Though not specifically
referred in the literature there is also controversy in the Cascades District about these
berries between commercial and subsistence harvesters.
The Saskatoon is widespread at lower elevations and its abundance is easiest to see in the
spring when it produces a profusion of white flowers. This species was one of the most
important berry crops to pre-contact First Nations. Its fruits were processed in a number
of ways for later re-use throughout the year (Turner 1975; Turner 1990; Kuhnlein and
Turner 1991; Turner 1997).
The wild root species are undoubtedly most used by the First Nations and in particular
Elders. The District’s grasslands are known to produce abundant resources of root
vegetables that were critical for subsistence in pre-contact times. Many of these roots are
inulin-containing, including balsamroot, mariposa lily (Calochortus spp.), glacier lily,
and others. Inulin is a complex carbohydrate that is rendered edible through slow
roasting. Traditionally these roots were prepared by cooking in pit-ovens (Turner 1990).
Spring beauty has been well documented in both the ethnobotanical and archaeological
literature as a food resource. Populations of this species near Lytton have been managed
by the Nlaka’pamux for millennia through fire and selective harvesting; this harvest
remains a highly popular traditional activity for contemporary Nlaka’pamux people
(Chief Fred pers. com 2007). There are a number of desert parsley species (Lomatium
spp.) that were traditionally harvested as foods and medicines. The fern-leaved desert
parsley (L. dissectum) is a species that is used by the herbal industry in medicines (Diane
Luchtan pers. com 2006).
Plants with edible shoots include fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium), thimbleberry, wild
rose (Rosa spp.), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), raspberry, twisted stalk (Streptopus
spp.), false Solomon’s seal (Maianthemum racemosa) and wild asparagus. In disturbed
areas the fireweed is a plant that produces prolific volumes of edible shoots in the spring.
Young soft-tissue growth from the thimbleberry, wild rose and the raspberries may be
harvested in late-spring and early-summer; these shoots may be peeled and eaten raw or
cooked. Though unpleasant to touch when alive, the sting in the stinging nettle shoots
and leaves is destroyed by cooking rendering them edible and delectable. The twisted
stalk and false Solomon’s seal are members of the lily family with shoots that some say