The W̱SÁNEĆ Ethnobotany Trail & Restoration Project is a partnership project between the PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱ Foundation and the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific (HCP). Located at HCP, this project is an amazing opportunity to educate visitors, students and community members in W̱SÁNEĆ territory about the cultural and ecological importance of native plants and ecosystems. The foundation for this project is the deep acknowledgement of W̱SÁNEĆ knowledge keepers past and present who have stewarded these native plants and ecosystems since time immemorial. We intend to foster connections between the W̱SÁNEĆ community and this special place in their homelands, named HELEṈIḴEN in SENĆOŦEN to honour the headwaters of many tributaries in this area. It is our belief that the development of these connections can support a greater respect and understanding for W̱SÁNEĆ culture and history from settlers and visitors to this territory, as well as affirm the resiliency and vibrancy of W̱SÁNEĆ culture.
This project also emphasizes the incredible amount of work that has been accomplished in the natural areas at HCP and provides the space to raise awareness about the role that functioning native ecosystems have to play in mitigating ecological challenges. The project area consists of diverse and unique ecosystem types which offer a chance to explore important topics such as hydrology, ecological trail building, extirpated species regeneration, persistent invasive species removal, and the restoration of ecosystems that are likely to extend their ranges into our region due to climate change.
Click here to see our brochure for the W̱SÁNEĆ Ethnobotany Trail!
