Cultural uses of non-timber forest products among the Sts'ailes, British Columbia, Canada

We have identified cultural uses of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) in the Sts'ailes, a group within the central Coast Salish First Nation in British Columbia, Canada. The non-timber forest products are culturally important and often accessible to local people. We undertook a community-based participatory case study of the cultural uses of non-timber forest products within the Sts'ailes traditional territory. We used semi-structured interviews, ethnography, and secondary documents (e.g. maps and supporting documents) to provide in-depth understanding of the NTFP uses. Sts'ailes people use NTFPs by (1) gathering plants for food and medicine, (2) making materials from the plants, (3) making spiritual regalia and paints for winter ceremonials, and (4) brushing with cedar branches as spiritual practices. Forest environments and NTFPs provide secured environment for spiritual bathing and other spiritual practices and cedar branches are essential to use for purification. Because of these uses, Canadian governments need to consult and accommodate the Sts'ailes people when undertaking forestry operations. In addition, Sts'ailes use of the land demonstrates their continued possession of it.