LŦS ŚI¸ŚEJ & ȾIKEL Restoration Project

Our ŚI¸ŚEJ (forest garden) is an interactive learning space for the children and youth who attend ȽÁU, WELṈEW̱ Tribal School. We host many of our outdoor workshops in the ŚI¸ŚEJ. During these workshops, W̱SÁNEĆ youth learn how to tend to native plant species, watch the plants grow and mature, eat from the food producing species, and learn about the medical properties of native plants. They also interact with native fauna through bird watching, insect hunting, and pollinator awareness activities. 

The ŚI¸ŚEJ began in the fall of 2022. It is now home to one of our ḰȽO¸ELENEȻ (camas beds) and many shrubs for the children and youth to pick berries from soon! The ŚI¸ŚEJ is an extension of our native nursery and garden, where agricultural fruits and vegetables are grown. These spaces combined provide W̱SÁNEĆ students with a variety of options to learn about gardening practices and food security. 

The ŚI¸ŚEJ is surrounded by a mature forest where invasive species are present. This space provides the students with opportunities to learn about invasive species and how to remove them. Scotch broom, English Ivy, Himalayan blackberry, and Canada thistle are removed with the help of classes and students.