Legacies of Ancient Forest Gardening Along the Pacific Northwest Coast Highlight Broad Spatial and Cultural Variability

In British Columbia (BC), Canada, as in many other parts of the world, past Indigenous management of forests has resulted in relict forest gardens composed of herbaceous, understory, tree, and shrub species with nutritional, material, cultural, and/or economic value that continue to grow adjacent to habitation sites, villages, and archaeological sites. However, recognition of these bio-culturally important sites has been lacking in research, consultation, and regulatory contexts. In this research, we assess the plant species composition of forest gardens across habitats and across two broad coastal regions—the Central Coast and the Discovery Islands (Haíłzaqv, Wuikinuxv, ƛohos giǰi (Klahoose), Homalco, Tla’amin, We Wai kai, We Wai Kum, and K’ómoks territories)—to identify coastal forest garden indicator species. We found differences in forest garden plant communities across regions, habitats, and site types. We also incorporate archaeological and dendrological techniques to help better understand the complexity of historical and ancient land-use in the Pacific Northwest, while appreciating the diversity of Indigenous people's stewardship practice over space and through time. Formal recognition of these sites is needed and has implications for social justice and land management.