Medicinal Biodiversity and Conservation in Canada's Boreal Forest

摘要

During ethnobotanical research in 32 communities across northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Labrador, 62 male and 60 female elders of the Dene, Cree, Ojibway, Innu, and Metis cultures generously shared their traditional knowledge of medicines, foods, and materials in technology, crafts, and rituals. The research, planned in collaboration with the host communities, was completed by 19 Aboriginal research assistants and 6 non-Aboriginal botany students working in teams. Interviews with the elders were conducted in their own languages and voucher specimens, artifacts, written and audiovisual records were prepared to fully document the research. Despite the limited biodiversity of the boreal forest, uses for 208 plants, 13 fungi, and 8 lichens were identified. Preliminary ecological surveys for their distribution and abundance were conducted. A literature review of the specimens' ecology, other traditional uses, nutritive, pharmacological, toxicological, and phytocbemical properties, and market potential, has been completed in preparation for future analytical and economic development work. Objectives of the research included cultural heritage documentation, health promotion through evaluation of traditional foods and medicines for their potential modern roles, research skill transfer, and identification of non-timber forest resources. Traditional and modern uses of boreal species are considered in the context of ecological, economic, and sociocultural issues surrounding the balance between conservation and sustainable development. Tangible results include teaching materials and a 368-page, peer-reviewed ethnobotanical book with 215 colour photographs distributed free to the participating communities and research assistants.