Phase III: Participatory Mapping
The third phase of our project focused on deepening community engagement through a co-design working group and participatory mapping process, centered on Xetthecum’s biodiversity and cultural values.
Our goal, as stated during Phase II, was not to produce an “end product” but rather a prototype ecocultural map that could serve as a foundation for ongoing consultation and intergenerational, cross-cultural learning, enriching our understanding and appreciation for the ecological and cultural significance of this place.
A BioBlitz
Our efforts began with organizing a BioBlitz in collaboration with local neighbors, community organizations, and volunteers.
With help from UBC BRITE intern Maggie Slein, the BioBlitz was successfully carried out in and around the Xetthecum project area, drawing a significant turnout and substantially increasing our knowledge of the area’s biodiversity.
Maggie and other team members also participated in cultural humility training facilitated by Indigenous youth through the work of Community Engagement Fellows and Whiteswan Environmental (WE).
Storyboarding with AMES
Building on this success, we established a partnership with AMES (Access to Media Education Society), who supported the storyboarding process through which we wove together the content we had gathered into a narrative for our story map.
Over the summer, our team made significant progress, culminating in a presentation of our work in Strait Salish territories during the Transboundary Gathering hosted by WE. At this gathering, we showcased elements of the design draft, emphasizing community involvement, the integration of traditional wisdom with contemporary practices, and our collaborative approach.
Gathering with Pune’luxutth knowledge holders
Following this milestone event, our team continued to refine the storyboard with the assistance of AMES staff.
Despite logistical challenges, we also organized a gathering involving knowledge holders from Pune’luxutth in February 2024. Facilitated through a collaboration between AMES and IMERSS, this small event helped to strengthen our community partnerships and relationships with knowledge-holders among the Pune’luxutth.