A guide to First Nations plant use in Stanley Park

Stanley Park attracts thousands of visitors every day but many of those who use theseawall or stroll through the lush green forests aren't always aware of the area's Indigenous history.

The Stanley Park Ecology Society is hoping to change that with itsseasonal walking tours thathighlight Indigenous history and traditional plant use on the waterfront, led by guides of First Nations descent.

Guide Starla Bob also known as Kushi opi mani wi showed CBC reporter Margaret Gallagher around for a preview earlier this week.

"This is First Nations territory, this is our home," Bob said. "My grandfather's great-grandfather resided right over here and had a long house over here by Deadman's Island," she said, referring to the small island off the south side of the park.

Bob said it is crucial not tooverlook the history of the area and, givenher background, she's ina goodposition to share that history with park visitors.

"It's important to me, if anyone is going to be doing it not necessarily me but somebody with First Nations lineage," she said.

'We are still here and we exist'

Standing near Lumberman's Arch, north of the Vancouver Aquarium, Bob compared the grassy fields scattered with picnic tables to the Xwayxway village of the past.

"Before it looked somewhat similar," she said. "It seems as though this picnic area was built on top of what was already a gathering area for the three First Nations tribes that resided here at Stanley Park."

Bob pointedout plants that are edible or have medicinal properties, including salmonberries, deer ferns andbull kelp. Plants aren't picked during the tour, but Bob identifies them so people can collect them outside the park in a sustainable manner.

"I just want to share who we are as First Nations people, that we are still here and we exist, and share some of the beautiful knowledge that we have," Bob said.

To hearthe full walk-along tour withStarla Bob, click on the audio link below:

With files from Margaret Gallagher.