The Boothroyd Indian Band, with the assistance of the BC Wildfire Service (BWS), will be conducting a cultural burn northwest of the Boston Bar Airport.
Taking place in an area along Blue Lake Road, the cultural burn is expected to start on May 8 and continue periodically until May 31. It will assist with the band’s “removal of invasive plants while enhancing medicinal and natural food sources,” as well as to “promote the growth of local plant species.”
“BC Wildfire Service staff will be working cooperatively with the Boothroyd Indian Band to carefully prepare, control, and monitor the fire at all times,” said the BWS in a press release. “This cultural event will allow band members to work with BCWS mentors, who are experts in fire suppression and management. In addition, band members will share their knowledge regarding working in culturally sensitive areas and Indigenous protocols for cultural fire.”
According to BWS, the fire — which requires on-site conditions and weather conditions to be met — will be of low-to-moderate intensity and cover 45 hectares of land. Smoke may be visible from the Boothroyd townsite, surrounding areas, and Highway 1.
On the B.C. government’s website, “Indigenous cultural burning has existed since time immemorial, with traditional knowledge passed down from generation to generation. In general, the term “cultural burning” refers to the intentional use of fire at a broad scale on the land that is led by First Nations or is based in First Nations’ distinct cultural values, perspectives or practices.”
For more information on cultural and controlled fires, readers can visit https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/prescribed-burning.
READ MORE: WATCH: Boothroyd Band now home to a Native American medicine wheel
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