Vancouver Stanley Park offers Indigenous-led nature tours

In Vancouver’s Stanley Park, Talaysay Campo leads ‘Talking Trees’ tours that highlight the botanical knowledge and technologies of the Squamish and Sechelt First Nations. The tours explore the ecological and cultural significance of local flora within the 400-hectare park.

Key features of the tour include the use of vine maple for constructing flexible shelter frames and the Douglas fir, which possesses fire-resistant bark but sap that can be used to start fires. The guide also shares traditional ecological teachings, such as the practice of never taking the first or last berries from a bush to ensure regeneration and to provide food for local wildlife. Additionally, the western red cedar is highlighted as a versatile resource, with its bark used for both shelter and clothing.