Oral History and Traditional Ecological Knowledge

Abstract

Before European contact, First Nations in British Columbia along the north, central, and south coasts had developed societies based in large part on the anadromous salmon species found throughout the entire region. For thousands of years prior to contact with Europeans, the First Nations Peoples enjoyed fishing activities, especially those related to the local region, whether coastal or inland. Harvesting for food and trade have been the foundation of First Nations’ economic, cultural, and social lifestyles along the major rivers and waterways of this land. All groups had access to a variety of fish. In British Columbia the distribution and population densities of the People are directly linked to their access to this resource.