Moolks (Pacific crabapple, Malus fusca) on the North Coast of British Columbia: Knowledge and Meaning in Gitga’at Culture

This thesis examines the ethnobotanical knowledge, folk classification, and morphological variation of Malus fusca (Pacific crabapple) among the Gitga’at First Nation of Hartley Bay. Interviews with seven Gitga’at elders revealed the recognition of up to five distinct varieties based on fruit characteristics and harvesting locations, each with specific applications. A morphological and ecological study of 27 crabapple trees showed significant variation within and among individuals, making it difficult to clearly delineate the varieties described by the elders. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with Western scientific methods, this research highlights the value of collaborative approaches for a deeper understanding of botanical species and cultural resilience in a changing world.