Lab Assignment 2: Forest diary assignment

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School

Simon Fraser University, Fraser International College *

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Course

102

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Oct 30, 2023

Type

docx

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Uploaded by ProfNightingalePerson254

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Salmonberries, called yetwánaý in the indigenous language, are more than a delicious berry; they are native to the west coast of North America from west-central Alaska to California. Found in wet environments where the soil is nutrient-dense and moist, these berries grow in low to mid-elevations, along stream banks and shores, and clearings by the roadside. Yetwánaý can grow anywhere from 3 to 10 feet tall, and the colour of the berries varies based on its genetic traits. When spring comes around, the salmonberry bushes emerge from their winter slumber. The leaves of salmonberries are easy to identify; the saw-like leaves grow in threes and are shaped like a butterfly when folding down the top leaf. The first flowers that appear are delicate, pink, and have five petals, inviting early pollinators like hummingbirds and bees to collect the sweet nectar. Before the berries are ripe, salmonberry shoots, also known as saskay in Squamish, can be harvested for their stems. When ready, the saskay should bend like licorice and be slightly red. Peeling them reveals the soft sugary center, rich in minerals, vitamin C and a great source of fiber. As spring progresses into summer, the salmonberries ripen, transforming from pale green to a brilliant shade of crimson. The berries taste sweet and tart, a delightful treat for us and wildlife. These salmonberries sustain bears, birds, and insects, promoting biodiversity and harmony in the ecosystem. Indigenous communities have long relied on salmonberries as a source of nourishment and have shared their knowledge of the berry's medicinal and nutritional properties with others. They have often used the arrival of salmonberries as a signal for the return of salmon to spawning grounds. The red and orange berries are often used as fish bait as they look like fish eggs. The dry leaves and bark are collected to make tea that helps with diarrhea. The salmonberry's significance extends beyond its taste and appearance. The Indigenous communities value this fruit for its nutritional benefits and cultural significance. One of the beliefs in the Squamish and Indigenous community is that the Swainson’s thrush, or the salmonberry bird's ability to ripen the yetwánaý and know when it's time for harvest. The Two- Eyed Seeing principle teaches us to witness the world through different perspectives and to embrace the richness of those perspectives to create a more harmonious relationship with nature.