Indigenous Connections
Invasive species threaten traditional Indigenous practices
Indigenous people have a sacred relationship with the land. Indigenous practices, traditions and ways of life are threatened by many things, including invasive species.
“I have understood and witnessed how dense invasive plants/animals prevent the establishment of native shrubs (i.e., Salmon berry), limits food sources, [provides] little to no habitat for nesting birds and little to no cover for small/large mammals. The relationship between invasive species and preservation of Indigenous knowledge has given me a chance to identify, inventory, and monitor problematic and treatable areas within the Katzie First Nation Territory.” – Burgess Pierre, Crew Lead and Senior Field Technician with KDLP, and member of the Katzie First Nation.
“When gathering traditional foods or medicines, Elders, small children and people with physical disabilities can have more challenges accessing the gathering sites when invasive species encroach these locations. Often these groups access gathering sites that are close to old dirt roads where they don’t have to walk far from a vehicle to harvest. Unfortunately, these areas are prime locations where invasive species can spread.” – Sage Flett Kruger, Indigenous Engagement Manager for the Trails Society of BC and a member of the Penticton Indian Band.
“Sometimes I walk through the forest, and I see something I’ve never seen before. My first instinct is to doubt myself and believe it is something I’ve just never encountered. But as time goes on, I realize that what I’m seeing are species that are non-Indigenous. It is complicated because on the flip side I also don’t see species that I used to see in abundance. Harlequin ducks, jumping spiders, limpets have all but disappeared where they were once abundant.” – Carrie Reid, who carries the name Xwantumaat, member of the Qualicum First Nation and a prevention worker.
Resources
Indigenous Invasive Species Network – The Indigenous Invasive Species Network (IISN) is a collaborative knowledge exchange hosted by the Invasive Species Council of BC. As of November 1st, 2023, the IISN has 211 members representing Indigenous communities across BC.
IISN workshop Feb 2023
Indigenous tool kit – Providing information, guidance, and resources, this toolkit offers support to Indigenous communities working to reduce the impact of invasive species in their territories across BC.
Indigenous Case Studies (‘In their Own Words: The Impact of Invasive Species on Indigenous Communities and Species at Risk’) – This comprehensive report shares five first person accounts, Indigenous perspectives that illustrate the impacts of invasive species on culturally important species at risk.
Together we are stewards of the land, and we are grateful for Indigenous knowledge and leadership.
The Invasive Species Council of BC is proud to work with Indigenous communities across BC to identify, observe, report and manage invasive species. Indigenous partners play a significant role in the work we do, including making recommendations; training and resource development; and identifying opportunities to build key partnerships.
