Autumn is commonly associated with harvest season, yet a horticulturist from the St’át’imc, Nêhiyaw, and mixed European backgrounds in Metro Vancouver argues that it is an ideal time to initiate the growth of native plants. Shayla Chalifoux, a member of the Sekw’el’was community (Cayoose Creek Band), highlighted that the warm soil post-summer and abundant rainfall create a smooth transition for plants. As the founder of Shaylish Plants, Chalifoux actively promotes the inclusion of native plants in British Columbia’s landscape architecture, municipal projects, and organizations through consultations, workshops, and public talks.
While many typically associate planting with spring, Chalifoux emphasized that fall is favorable for several native plants, such as sweetgrass and camas bulbs. Sweetgrass, often utilized in smudging and ceremonies, thrives near bodies of water and wet meadows, and is recognized as a native plant in B.C. According to Chalifoux, there are historical accounts suggesting that plains people introduced sweetgrass to communities in B.C., showcasing its significance and widespread use.
Camas bulbs, a staple carbohydrate source akin to sweet potatoes, hold cultural importance as a traditional food source for various First Nations groups in B.C., including the Quw’utsun Nation and Songhees Nation. Chalifoux mentioned that some individuals from St’át’imc territory journeyed to Washington state to harvest these bulbs and bring them back for consumption. Despite the ecological benefits of native plants, Chalifoux underscored a lack of awareness and integration of native flora in urban settings, calling for increased education and appreciation for indigenous botanical knowledge.
British Columbia boasts unparalleled plant biodiversity in Canada, with over 2,500 native vascular plant species alongside numerous lichens, mosses, and fungi, as per provincial records. Chalifoux encouraged individuals to support the environment by planting native species in pots on balconies and gardens, emphasizing the critical role these plants play in sustaining local ecosystems. She urged the incorporation of native plants to aid in environmental restoration and stressed the importance of considering indigenous perspectives in urban landscaping practices.
Although progress is underway, Chalifoux noted a scarcity of municipal policies mandating the inclusion of native plants in urban planning. Responding to queries about Vancouver’s policies on native plant integration, a City of Vancouver spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts by the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation to enhance native flora in urban spaces. The city collaborates with local First Nations and community groups, exemplified by initiatives like the inclusion of Pacific yew in the Stanley Park Restoration project based on indigenous feedback. Additionally, the city supports ecological restoration by providing native plants for community planting events in Vancouver parks.