The λ’aayaʕas Project: Revitalizing Traditional Nuu-chah-nulth Root Gardens in Ahousaht, British Columbia

Coastal First Nations, including the Nuu-chah-nulth, once maintained estuarine root gardens, but these traditional foods have become less known in the past century. The λ’aayaʕas Project, a community-based initiative in Clayoquot Sound, seeks to restore traditional knowledge, cultural identity, and community health through hands-on activities like steam-pit cooking and root garden restoration. This thesis documents the project’s development and explores how ecocultural restoration strengthens youth connections to land and culture through experiential learning. Reflections from community members highlight the vital link between cultural and ecological health and the importance of revitalizing traditional practices.