Osoyoos Indian Band’s Non-Timber Forest Products Initiative

Revitalizing Cultural Practices and Building Economic Opportunities

Photo: Sumac seed collections

For the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), the land is respected, cherished, and deeply intertwined with identity and tradition. It offers far more than timber; it provides a wealth of natural resources known as non-timber forest products (NTFP). These include wild mushrooms, berries, roots, seeds, plants, and tree barks that have long held cultural, medicinal, and economic value for Indigenous communities.

Today, OIB is actively working to revitalize traditional harvesting practices and build a path forward for the sustainable use and commercialization of these forest resources. At the heart of this effort is a project led by OIB and supported by BC Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy Program.

What began as a feasibility study into the commercial potential of these wild-harvested products has evolved into something more profound. As Vincent Dufour, Silviculture and Private managed Forest, Registered Professional Forester, Siya Forestry, explains, “The initiative took a turn once we realized how much community members wanted to deepen and elevate their connection with the land and traditional practices. That shifted the focus from commercialization alone to something more holistic, revitalizing cultural knowledge, supporting food security, and improving foraging opportunities for members.”

One of the project’s key goals is to develop a complete inventory of non-timber forest products across the OIB traditional territory, which stretches from the South Okanagan to the West Kootenays and surrounding areas. This inventory work involves cataloguing where different species grow and what is available seasonally, while also identifying sensitive ecosystems that require protection.

Mushroom, unidentified

Fir buds (pickled)

Ponderosa pine pollen

“It’s a massive task, but it touches our heart,” says Dufour, who works alongside local community members and experts to map the availability and abundance of species like mushrooms, soapberries, wild mint, blackcap raspberry, juniper, and wild rose. Over 160 non-timber forest products have been identified across the territory, each with the potential to be used traditionally or commercially, though commercialization is not the only goal. “We’re not just collecting data; we’re learning from Elders, harvesters, and knowledge keepers to ensure this work is respectful, accurate, and valuable for future generations.”

The project also includes hosting community events and field activities that offer OIB members hands-on experience in identifying and harvesting these natural products. These events have been well received, sparking excitement among participants and growing interest in learning more about traditional foraging.

While the initiative is grounded in cultural beliefs and practices, it also opens the door to future economic development.

“There is definitely interest in the commercial side of things, especially around mushrooms and herbal plants,” says Dufour. “But we need to ensure it’s done in a way that respects sustainability, cultural protocols, and the land itself.”

Sustainability is a central concern. Dufour emphasizes that commercial harvesting must be carefully managed to avoid overharvesting or disrupting the ecosystem. Other challenges include the lack of clear legislation around harvesting and commercial use of these products. In British Columbia, few policies are in place to support the sustainable and legal development of non-timber forest resources at scale.

“There’s a regulatory gap,” notes Dufour. “That makes it nearly impossible for First Nations to participate in the market, even when the interest and knowledge exists. Ideally, First Nations should be consulted before any harvesting takes place, yet that is often lacking.”

Infrastructure is another barrier. Without proper processing, storage, and distribution systems, scaling up production or bringing these goods to broader markets is difficult. Still, Dufour remains optimistic.

“We’re laying the foundation for something long-term. Whether commercial or not, this work is valuable because it strengthens our connection to the land and brings knowledge back to the community.”

As the project continues to grow, it’s attracting attention from other Nations and organizations interested in similar work. The OIB’s approach, grounded in cultural values, community participation, and sustainable practices, offers a model for how non-timber forest products’ development can honour traditional knowledge while creating pathways for future economic opportunity.

“Wild-harvested goods have been part of Indigenous life for generations,” says Dufour. “This isn’t new; it’s a return to what the First Nations communities have always known. The difference now is we’re creating the tools, the data, and the systems to protect that knowledge and use it well.”

For more information or an interview with Siya Forestry, contact:

Aleece Laird, Communications Liaison, 250.574.0221, aleece@amplifyinc.ca