Welcome to the Halkomelem Ethnobiology Web Site

Thank you for visiting this Web site.

For thousands of years the Halkomelem people have lived in what is now southwestern British Columbia. They have always had a close relationship with the environment. Vast amounts of information concerning the plants and animals of the region have been passed down from generation to generation through the oral medium of the Halkomelem language. This Web site, which will be under development for many more years, represents just a small fraction of the knowledge of the Halkomelem people on this topic.

We intend for this work to be of interest and use to a broad audience including First Nations people, educators, students, and others. It is hoped that presenting the knowledge in this form will help successive generations to remember the unique and important teachings of the Elders.

All information provided by Halkomelem Elders remains their intellectual property and is included here in the spirit of sharing, education, and mutual understanding.

We dedicate this work to the Halkomelem people, especially to the Elders who have so generously shared their knowledge, kindness, and warmth in the production of materials used in this work. Hay ce:p q'a, si:em'!

                                                                                         Brian D. Compton & Donna Gerdts

CAUTIONARY NOTE: The information presented in this Web site reflects aspects of the cultural heritage of the Halkomelem peoples and should be treated with appropriate respect. Some of the species contained herein, which may have traditional medicinal and other roles, are extremely toxic; capable of causing serious illness or death if used improperly. Others, while not necessarily toxic, may cause allergenic or otherwise adverse reactions in some individuals if contacted or taken internally. The Halkomelem peoples have used these species since prehistoric times, according to culturally prescribed and exacting methods. This document is not intended to serve as a guide for amateur medical experimentation, including self-medication, nor as a guide to edible plants and animals. Care should always be taken to properly identify any plant or animal material intended for collection, consumption, or medicinal use.

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