Burn scars on the oldest Douglas fir trees on southern Vancouver Island serve as evidence of the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples’ long history of managing forest burns, according to Tiffany Joseph of the XAXE TEṈEW̱ Sacred Land Society. Joseph emphasizes that Indigenous ancestors understood fire as a natural tool that enhanced the abundance and quality of plant life. Since the establishment of the Vancouver Portland Cement Company in 1904, the land has suffered from neglect. Joseph’s team, guided by the knowledge of elders and experts like wildland firefighter Joe Gilchrist, is focused on employing cultural and controlled burning practices to restore forest health and prevent wildfires. Research indicates that such Indigenous fire stewardship can lead to healthier ecosystems, with evidence showing that low-intensity burns significantly increase berry production and promote wildlife, such as deer and elk, returning to the landscape.
Why It Matters
The revival of Indigenous fire management is significant as it reconnects communities with traditional ecological practices that have sustained local ecosystems for generations. Historical evidence indicates that Indigenous peoples utilized controlled burns to manage landscapes long before modern forestry practices emerged. This approach not only enhances biodiversity but also mitigates the risk of larger, uncontrolled wildfires. As climate change increases the frequency of wildfires, integrating traditional ecological knowledge into contemporary land management strategies becomes essential for maintaining healthy forests and fostering resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
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