This First Nations horticulturist Indigenizes plant spaces in B.C.
CBC
Autumn is often thought of to be a time of harvest, but a St'át'imc, Nêhiyaw and mixed European horticulturist in Metro Vancouver says it's the perfect time to start some native plants.
"The soil is still warm from summer and then we get all the rain so it's a nice easy transition for the plant," said Shayla Chalifoux, who is part of the Sekw'el'was community, also known as Cayoose Creek Band.
Chalifoux is the founder of Shaylish Plants, and works to Indigenize plant spaces in B.C. by including native plants when subconsulting for landscape architects, municipalities and organizations, and through speaking engagements and workshops.
Most people think of planting season as spring but Chalifoux said many native plants prefer the fall, like sweetgrass and camas bulbs.
Sweetgrass, used in smudging and for ceremony, grows near rivers, lake edges, and wet meadows. Often associated with the plains, Chalifoux said it's also considered a native plant in B.C.
“There's been some stories that people thinking way back in the day the plains people came over and traded it with people, taught some of the communities down here how to grow it,” said Chalifoux.
Camas bulbs are a carbohydrate food source that can be compared to a sweet potato, and are considered a traditional food source for several First Nations, including the Quw’utsun Nation and Songhees Nation.
"Some ucwalmícw, peoples to St'át'imc territory, would actually go down to Washington [state] to dig these bulbs and bring them back up to eat," said Chalifoux.
Despite native plants being important for biodiversity, Chalifoux said the education is behind when it comes to using native plants in urban spaces.
"In the horticulturist industry I
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