Restoring Balance: First Nations’ Commitment to Cultural Shrubs and Deciduous Species
- CentralCR
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Williams Lake, B.C.: At Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR), rehabilitation through reforestation goes beyond planting trees; it focuses on restoring ecosystems while honouring Indigenous knowledge and promoting long-term forest health. CCR is a joint venture of three First Nations, including Yunesit’in Government, Tl’etinqox Government, and Tŝideldel First Nation. It is expanding its efforts to include deciduous trees and culturally significant shrub species in restoration projects, especially in areas affected by wildfires.
After large-scale wildfires, CCR believes forest rehabilitation and recovery must go beyond replacing conifer trees. While the forest industry often prioritizes conifers for economic values, this narrower focus can sometimes overlook the broader needs of the ecosystem. CCR is taking a different path, guided by Indigenous values and a deep understanding that everything in the forest is intricately connected.
“Large-scale, intense wildfires don’t just affect conifer trees,” shared Ann Nielsen, Silviculture Manager with CCR, “They impact the entire ecosystem, upsetting the balance of all its functions. Indigenous People have always viewed the land holistically, recognizing that every part of the forest plays a role, even if we don’t fully understand all its functions.”
Following a wildfire, nature has its own rhythm for regrowth. However, some sites struggle to regenerate because of the intensity of the fire, especially with the regrowth of native shrubs and deciduous species. CCR is stepping in to support these areas by planting species that encourage a more balanced and resilient recovery, not just for the forest but for the animals and people who depend on it.
To bring this vision to life, CCR is proud to collaborate with Roserim Nursery, a family-run operation located just north of Canim Lake, B.C. Owned and operated by Meg and her family, Roserim Nursery brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to projects, specializing in growing tree seedlings for reforestation and landscape regeneration.
Meg’s background in horticulture and her time with Agriculture Canada have helped her streamline and better the process of growing a wide range of deciduous species like trembling aspen, paper birch, and cottonwood. What truly impressed the CCR team during a recent visit was the nursery’s dedication to cultural shrubs such as Cornus sericea (red osier dogwood), Amelanchier alnifolia (saskatoon berry), Shepherdia canadensis (soopolallie), Berberis aquifolium (Oregon grape), and Alnus alnobetula (Sitka alder).
“The amount of deciduous and shrub species Meg and her team are growing was incredible,” said Nielsen. “It is rare to see a nursery so focused on ecological diversity rather than just rows of conifers. We’re excited to work with Roserim Nursery to restore sites in our region in a more holistic way.”
Beyond growing plants, Roserim also have seed procurement and storage experience, skills CCR hopes to learn from through future workshops and training opportunities. Species like dogwood and saskatoon hold cultural significance for Indigenous communities while also playing essential roles in the forest. Dogwood, for example, is an important food source for moose, while saskatoon berries have been a vital traditional food and medicine for generations. “The forest has always provided for animals and Indigenous People alike,” noted Nielsen. “When habitats are healthy, the animals thrive and so do Indigenous communities. Restoring these shrubs helps ensure that the relationship continues for future generations.”
By investing in the restoration of culturally and ecologically important plants, CCR is not only rehabilitating forests and landscapes but also helping to support biodiversity, community food security, and cultural revitalization.
This collaboration with Roserim Nursery is just the beginning. CCR is exploring ways to scale up the planting of culturally significant shrubs and deciduous species across more sites in the region impacted by wildfire. The goal is to support a full-spectrum recovery that reflects Indigenous stewardship values and contributes to a healthier, more resilient landscape. “We’re helping restore balance,” shared Nielsen, “as we rehabilitate forests.”
About CCR
Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation was formed by Tŝideldel First Nation, Tl’etinqox Government and Yunesit’in Government. The joint venture was originally formed to address the 100,000 hectares of dead pine left in the Chilcotin region and to rehabilitate those stands into productive forests. The fires in the summer of 2017 amplified the need to address heavily burned forest stands with minimal economic values. CCR’s mission is to coordinate and implement large-scale forestry programs and initiatives within the traditional territories of the Tŝideldel First Nation, Tl’etinqox Government and Yunesit’in Government, generating economic, social, and environmental benefits. For more information: www.centralcr.ca
Follow CCR on social media:
Twitter/X: https://x.com/centralcr_ca
For an Interview with CCR, contact:
Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison, aleece@amplifyinc.ca, 250.574.0221