Moderator: Colin Mahony, PhD, RPF, Research Climatologist and Team Lead, Future Forest Ecosystems Centre, BC Ministry of Forests

Language Legend – Western redcedar

Hul'q′umi'num: Xpey′

Nuu-Chah-Nulth: Huumis

Kwak′wala: Tsaḵams

In drier parts of Coastal British Columbia, forest practitioners are reporting higher levels of Western redcedar (WRC) mortality and partial canopy dieback. Given the cultural, ecological, and economic importance of this species, forest professionals managing coastal BC forests have an important role to play in supporting the continued health and abundance of xpey′.

Speakers in this session will discuss the ecological requirements of huumis in the context of current and projected climate conditions. They will also discuss the significant cultural importance of tsakams that make it incumbent on forest professionals to manage effectively, as well as proactive management strategies that consider climatic shifts and aim to ensure long term species sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

Participants in this session will learn about:

1. How drought impacts Western redcedar growth and survival.
2. The value of xpay′ / huumis / tsakams to Coastal Indigenous Peoples.
3. Management strategies for long-term species survival and success.