“The clams cared for the people, and the people cared for the clams. When the people were no longer able to access a beach where their ancestors had gone since time immemorial, the clams cried for the people, asking them to return. The clams missed the people.”
- Swinomish Elder Wanaseah Larry Campbell
A new Guide for First Nations and Tribal members whose ancestors built and cared for the rock walled beaches along the coast and who are interested in reconnecting to their ancestral clam-tending practices is now available. Building on work by members of the Clam Garden Network with contributions by Na̱nwaḵolas Council, Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network, Tula Foundation’s Ocean Decade Collaborative Center for the NE Pacific, Parks Canada, Hul’q’umi’num’ Lands and Resources Society, Marine Plan Partnership for the North Pacific Coast – Northern Vancouver Island, Simon Fraser University, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, University of Guelph, Western Washington University, and W̲SÁNEĆ Leadership Council, the Guide offers experience, case studies, and guidance to groups who would like to learn from previous experience before beginning work on their own restoration projects.
Questions? Get in touch any time by contacting Scott Harris at scottharris@nanwakolas.com